What do my test results mean?

The stage of your cancer describes the size of the cancer and whether it has spread around the pancreas or to other parts of the body.

Your doctor may tell you the stage of your cancer, and explain exactly what it means and how it affects your treatment options. Some doctors may just focus on whether or not your cancer can be removed with surgery, rather than the stage.

There are two types of staging. One type of staging uses numbers to describe the stage of the cancer.

Stage 1

The cancer is contained inside your pancreas. This is early, localised pancreatic cancer. This is also called operable cancer. Read more about stage 1 cancer.

Stage 2

The cancer may have grown larger. It may have spread to a small number of lymph nodes near the pancreas. Lymph nodes are small glands found around the body that are part of the immune system. The cancer hasn’t spread to large blood vessels near the pancreas. Read more about stage 2 cancer.

Stage 3

The cancer has spread outside the pancreas. It may have spread to the large blood vessels near the pancreas, or to a number of lymph nodes. This is usually locally advanced cancer but it may occasionally be borderline resectable cancer. Read more about stage 3 cancer.

Stage 4

The cancer has spread to other parts of the body. It may have spread to the lungs, liver or lining of your tummy (peritoneum). This is advanced or metastatic cancer. Read more about stage 4 cancer.

Another system that is used is called TNM (Tumour, Nodes, Metastases) staging.

T is the size of the tumour.

• T1: the cancer is contained inside the pancreas, and is smaller than 2cm.
• T2: the cancer is contained inside the pancreas. It is larger than 2cm but no larger than 4cm.
• T3: the cancer is larger than 4cm and has started to grow into tissues around the pancreas, but it hasn’t grown into the large blood vessels.
• T4: the cancer has grown into nearby large blood vessels.

N shows whether the cancer has spread to the nearby lymph nodes.

• N0: the cancer hasn’t spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• N1: the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• N2: the cancer has spread to four or more lymph nodes.

M shows whether the cancer has spread to another part of the body (metastatic cancer).

• M0: the cancer hasn’t spread to other parts of the body.
• M1: the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs.

Being told that you have pancreatic cancer may come as a shock. Everyone reacts differently and there is no ‘right’ way to feel. It can take time to come to terms with your diagnosis. You might find you have good and bad days, and you will probably go through a range of emotions.

You and your family should be given information and support to help you deal with your diagnosis and manage the emotional impact of pancreatic cancer. This support should be tailored to what you need and available throughout your care.