Stage 1 pancreatic cancer
The stage of a cancer tells the doctor about its size and whether it has spread. It helps your doctor decide on which treatment you need.
Your doctor may not be able to tell you the exact stage of your cancer until after your surgery, if you are able to have it.
Stage 1 is part of the number staging system. There are 4 stages of pancreatic cancer numbered from 1 to 4.
Doctors can also use the TNM system to stage your cancer. TNM stands for Tumour, Node, Metastases.
Stage 1A
Stage 1A means the cancer is completely inside the pancreas and is 2cm or less. There is no cancer in the 
or other areas of the body.
In TNM staging, this is the same as T1, N0, M0.
Stage 1B
Stage 1B means the cancer is completely inside the pancreas and is larger than 2cm but no bigger than 4cm. There is no cancer in the lymph nodes or other areas of the body.
In TNM staging, this is the same as T2, N0, M0.
Treatment for stage 1 pancreatic cancer
The stage of your cancer helps your doctor to decide which treatment you need. Treatment also depends on:
- your type of cancer (the type of cells the cancer started in)
- where the cancer is
- if they can remove (resect) the cancer
- your general health and level of fitness
The stage of the cancer and these other factors can also give an idea of your outlook (prognosis).
For stage 1 pancreatic cancer, you generally have surgery and chemotherapy.
