Morphology and the natural history of cribriform adenocarcinoma (adenoid cystic carcinoma).

Forty-three examples of cribriform adenocarcinoma (adenoid cystic carcinoma) of mixed glandular origin are reported. Structural studies emphasise the classical cribriform pattern which indicates the capacity of this neoplasm to behave as both an epithelial and a connective tissue type tumour. In terms of survival, it does not appear to be an malignant as other forms of carcinoma arising in similar anatomical locations. The five-year crude survival rate (56%) compares favourably with that of other carcinomas of the palate and paranasal sinuses. A recurrence rate of the order of 20% may persist up to 10 years after primary treatment, and while this is not inimical to longer survival there is clearly a high morbidity.