Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer can start in cells in that make digestive juices. These are called pancreatic exocrine cancers. It can also start in the cells that make hormones. Doctors call these pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PNETs). Knowing about the stage, type and grade of the pancreatic cancer helps your doctors decide about treatment.
Doctors stage and grade PNETs differently to pancreatic exocrine cancers.
Find out about the types, grades and stages of neuroendocrine tumours of the pancreas
Doctors stage exocrine pancreatic cancer using the TNM system or the number system. The number staging system includes 4 stages.
Pancreatic cancer can start in different parts of the pancreas. It can also start in different types of cell. Knowing this helps your doctor recommend the best treatment.
Doctors can use the TNM staging system for pancreatic cancer. T means tumour, N means node and M means metastasis.
Stage 1 pancreatic cancer can be divided into stage 1A and 1B. This depends on how big the cancer is.
Stage 2 pancreatic cancer can be divided into stage 2A and 2B. This depends on the size of the cancer and if it has spread to any nearby lymph nodes.
Stage 3 pancreatic cancer means it is any size but has spread nearby to lymph nodes, blood vessels or both.
Stage 4 pancreatic cancer means it has spread elsewhere in the body such as the liver or lungs. Where the cancer has spread to is called a metastasis or secondary cancer.
Last reviewed: 11 Aug 2026
Next review due: 11 Aug 2029
