Stages, types and grades of pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer can start in different types of .
Doctors call pancreatic cancer that starts in the cells that make digestive juices exocrine pancreatic cancer. The information on this page is about a type of exocrine pancreatic cancer called pancreatic . It is the most common type of exocrine pancreatic cancer.
Find out more about the types of pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer can also start in cells that make hormones. This is called endocrine pancreatic cancer or pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer.
Doctors stage and treat 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 2A means the cancer is bigger than 4cm but is still within the pancreas. It has not spread to the nearby or other areas of the body.
In TNM staging, this is the same as T3, N0, M0.
Stage 2B means the cancer is any size but it is still within the pancreas. It has spread to between 1 and 3 nearby lymph nodes. It has not spread anywhere else in the body.
In TNM staging, this is the same as one of the following:
T1, N1, M0
T2, N1, M0
T3, N1, M0
Knowing the cancer stage helps your doctor decide which treatment to recommend. Treatment also depends on:
where in the pancreas the cancer is
if your surgeon can remove (resect) the cancer
any treatment you have had already
your general health and level of fitness
The stage of the cancer and these other factors can also give your doctor an idea about your outlook (prognosis).
For stage 2 pancreatic cancer, you generally have surgery followed by up to 6 months of . If you are not able to have surgery, your doctor may offer you chemotherapy or . They will speak with you about which treatment they think is best.
Find out about the treatments for pancreatic cancer
Last reviewed: 20 Aug 2026
Next review due: 20 Aug 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.
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.
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.
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 is cancer that starts in the pancreas. Find out about the pancreas and how it works.
