Stages, types and grades of pancreatic cancer

Stage 1 pancreatic cancer

Stage 1 pancreatic cancer means the cancer is not more than 4cm in size and it hasn't spread outside the pancreas. Stage 1 is split into 1A and 1B. Treatments include surgery and chemotherapy.

Staging 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.

There are 4 number stages of pancreatic cancer numbered 1 to 4. Doctors can also use the TNM system to stage your cancer. TNM stands for Tumour, Node, Metastases.

Go to the TNM staging system

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.

Diagram showing stage 1A cancer of the pancreas.

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.

Diagram showing stage 1B cancer of the pancreas.

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.

Find out about the treatment you might have

Other stages

This page is due for review. We will update this as soon as possible.

Last reviewed: 01 Feb 2023

Next review due: 01 Feb 2026

Other stages of pancreatic cancer

Stage means the size of the cancer and whether it has spread. Type means the type of cell it started from. Grade means how abnormal the cells look. Knowing this information helps doctors decide about treatment.

Treatment for pancreatic cancer

Your treatment depends on the position of the cancer in the pancreas, how big it is, the type of pancreatic cancer it is, whether it has spread, if they can remove it with surgery and your general health.

Types of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer can start in the head, body or tail of the pancreas. There are different types of cells in the pancreas. Find out more about the different types.

Getting diagnosed with pancreatic cancer

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 a GP and tests you might have.

Survival for pancreatic cancer

Survival depends on many factors including the stage and type of your cancer. These figures for pancreatic cancer survival can only be used as a general guide.

Pancreatic cancer main page

Pancreatic cancer is cancer that starts in the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland that produces digestive juices and hormones. Find out about symptoms, tests you might have to diagnose it, treatment and about living with it.