What is stage 1 pancreatic cancer?

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Pancreatic cancer is a cancer of the pancreas, a small organ found behind your stomach. In pancreatic cancer, cancer cells form a tumor in the pancreas, which interferes with the normal function of the organ and can spread to other parts of the body.

The pancreas is part of the digestive system, making enzymes needed for digestion. It also produces hormones that help your body use sugars. In stage 1 pancreatic cancer, a cancerous tumor has formed in the pancreas, but the cancer has not spread to other areas of the body.

John A. Chabot on behalf of Columbia University Department of Surgery

Endocrinology Diabetes & Metabolism

In stage I, cancer has formed, but is confined to the pancreas only. Stage I is divided into stage IA and stage IB depending on the size of the tumor.

Stage IA: The tumor is 2 centimeters or smaller and found in the pancreas only.

Stage IB: The tumor is larger than 2 centimeters and is found in the pancreas only

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...

Charles R. St Hill, MD

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the most common pancreatic cancer, says Charles St. Hill, MD, an oncolo...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

The most common type of pancreatic cancer, accounting for 95 percent of diagnosed cases, is adenocar...

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