Stages

It is important to know the stage of a cancer in order to plan treatment.

STAGES OF PANCREATIC CANCER

Stage 0

In stage 0, the cancer is found only in the lining of the pancreas. Stage 0 is also called carcinoma in situ.

Stage I

In stage I, cancer is found only in the pancreas. Stage I is divided into stage IA and stage IB, based on the size of the tumor.

• Stage IA: The tumor is 2 centimeters or smaller.
• Stage IB: The tumor is larger than 2 centimeters.

Stage II

In stage II, cancer may have spread to nearby tissue and organs, and may have spread to lymph nodes near the pancreas. Stage II is divided into stage IIA and stage IIB, based on where the cancer has spread.

• Stage IIA: Cancer has spread to nearby tissue and organs but has not spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage IIB: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes and may have spread to nearby tissue and organs.

Stage III

In stage III, cancer has spread to the major blood vessels near the pancreas and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes.

Stage IV

In stage IV, cancer may be of any size and has spread to distant organs, such as the liver, lung, and peritoneal cavity. It may have also spread to organs and tissues near the pancreas or to lymph nodes.

Reference:

National Cancer Institute, USA.