Gleason Pattern 3

 

GP3 consists of glands that have more variable size, shape and distribution than those of GP2. Some glands may be small and there may be infiltration between and around benign glands, a pattern not seen in GP2.

 

Each gland has a lumen. The glands are circumscribed and separated from each other. Some branching of glands may be seen. Cribriform glands are no longer accepted in GP3.

In GP3 the glandular units have a lumen. The glands are well-formed and separate. They are often small but size is variable and the distribution in the stroma is irregular. 

 

Cancer glands with variation in size in GP3. 

 

Small, irregularly distributed, separate glands infiltrating between benign glands in GP3.

 

Another example of GP3 glands infiltrating between benign glands.