Stages, types and grades of pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer can start in different types of .
This information is for pancreatic cancer that starts in the cells that make digestive juices. Doctors call this exocrine pancreatic cancer and it is the most common type.
Pancreatic cancer can also start in cells that make hormones. This is called endocrine pancreatic cancer or pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer.
Doctors stage these 2 types of pancreatic cancer differently.
The stage of a cancer tells your doctor about its size and whether it has spread.
There are 4 number stages of pancreatic cancer numbered 1 to 4.
The tests and scans you have give your doctor some information about the stage. But they may not be able to tell you the exact stage of the cancer until after your surgery. Unfortunately, surgery isn’t suitable for everyone with pancreatic cancer.
Doctors can also use the TNM system to stage pancreatic cancer. TNM stands for Tumour, Node, Metastases.
Find out more about the TNM staging system for pancreatic cancer
Stage 1A means the cancer is completely inside the pancreas and is 2cm or smaller. There is no cancer in the nearby or other areas of the body.
In TNM staging, this is the same as T1, N0, M0.
Stage 1B means the cancer is completely inside the pancreas and is larger than 2cm but no more than 4cm. There is no cancer in the nearby lymph nodes or other areas of the body.
In TNM staging, this is the same as T2, N0, M0.
Knowing the cancer stage helps your doctor decide which treatment to recommend. Treatment also depends on:
the type of cell the cancer started in
where in the pancreas the cancer is
if your surgeon 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. If you are not able to have surgery, you normally have chemotherapy.
Your doctor will speak with you about which treatment they think is best.
Find out about the treatments for pancreatic cancer
Last reviewed: 29 Jun 2026
Next review due: 29 Jun 2029
Stage means the size of the cancer and whether it has spread. Type is the type of cell it started from. Grade means how abnormal the cells look. Knowing this information helps doctors recommend the best treatment.
Your treatment depends on the position of the cancer in the pancreas, how big it is, the type of pancreatic cancer, whether it has spread, if they can remove it with surgery and your general health.
Most people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer after they become unwell and go to A&E. Others start by seeing their GP. Find out what to expect when you see your GP and any tests you might have.
Grade means how quickly or slowly the cancer cells are diving and growing. The stage of a neuroendocrine cancer tells you its size and whether it has spread. There are many different types.
Survival depends on many factors including the stage and type of pancreatic cancer. No one can say how long you will live, so the statistics on this page are just a guide.
Pancreatic cancer starts in the pancreas. This is the gland that produces digestive juices and hormones such as insulin. Find out more including treatments, survival and coping with pancreatic cancer.
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