In pancreatic cancer, cancer cells in the pancreas grow and multiply quickly, which can cause a tumor to grow. In stage 4 pancreatic cancer, a cancerous tumor has begun in the pancreas and has spread beyond the pancreas into parts of the body far from the pancreas. It may also have spread to the lymph nodes and the organs and tissues found near the pancreas. The effect of this tumor on the body depends on where the tumor is, how it has spread, and how large it is. If the tumor blocks the flow of bile, which is produced in the liver, jaundice (a yellowing of the skin) may occur. If the tumor blocks parts of the digestive system, problems such as nausea, vomiting, and other digestive problems, may result.
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