Guide To Understanding Pancreatic Cancer Stages

Stage 4

Stage 4 pancreatic cancer is the most advanced and final stage in the cancer staging system. Pancreatic cancer is considered stage 4 when it has metastasized to distant organs and regions of the body. Stage 4 pancreatic cancer may or may not have spread to neighboring lymph nodes and can measure any size. The stage grouping that defines stage 4 pancreatic cancer is T1-T4, N0-N2, and M1. The most common sites of pancreatic cancer metastasis are the lungs, bowel, spleen, stomach, bones, liver, and abdominal cavity lining.

Over half of all individuals who develop pancreatic cancer receive a stage 4 diagnosis. It is estimated that between one and three patients out of every one hundred will still be alive five years following a stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Considering that numerous factors influence survival, the median survival rate of stage 4 pancreatic cancer is between three and six months following diagnosis. There is no way to cure stage 4 pancreatic cancer. However, some treatments may improve life expectancy and quality.

Resectable Tumors

Many pancreatic cancer patients will hear their oncologist talk in detail about their tumor and how it can be treated. One of the common terms used to describe pancreatic tumors is ‘resectable.’ Resectable tumors are those that surgeons can remove in their entirety through surgery. Patients have a resectable pancreatic tumor if their tumor is only in their pancreas and has not spread. In addition, the tumor must not tough the portal vein, superior mesenteric vein, celiac axis, superior mesenteric artery, or hepatic artery. Resectable tumors are often found in the early stages of pancreatic cancer, since this is when the cancer has not spread.