How is pancreatic cancer staged?

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Staging a cancer refers to a way doctors describe the extent of the cancer in the body. The stage of pancreatic cancer depends on the size of the tumor and how far it has spread. Doctors usually stage the cancer during the process of diagnosis. Stage 0 pancreatic cancer is the earliest stage, while stage 4 is the most advanced.

Continue Learning about Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancers are rarely detected early, are difficult to treat—and they often come back. An estimated 60,430 men and women in the United States ...

Alex Trebek, Beloved ‘Jeopardy!’ Host, Dies at the Age of 80

Updated on November 8, 2020 at 2:00pm EST. Alex Trebek, the legendary host of the long-running TV game-show, "Jeopardy!" has died. He was 80 years ol...

Penn Medicine

Pancreatic cancer survival rates are poor, as more than 90 percent of people with pancreatic cancer ...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Pancreatic cancer is a cancer of the pancreas, a small organ found behind your stomach. In pancreati...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Pancreatic Cancer

Often asymptomatic in the beginning, pancreatic cancer is very difficult to diagnose and typically spreads rapidly to other parts of the body. Cancer occurs when abnormal cells form in the lining of the pancreas, an organ of the endocrine system that is responsible for making enzymes for digestion and for producing certain hormones such as insulin. Even though only 1 in 76 people develop this disease, it is the fourth deadliest type of cancer and is difficult to cure. No one knows what causes pancreatic cancer, and even the few known risk factors are not fully understood. Visit your doctor if you have unexplained weight loss, a loss of appetite, abdominal pain that radiates up your back, or a yellow tint to your eyes or skin.

Learn More