How to Know the Stages of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is defined as the presence of the malignant growth of cancer cells in the digestive tract's pancreas gland. Doctors usually use 2 standard systems to define cancer stages: the TNM (Tumor, Node, Metastasis) system and the number (Stage 1 to Stage 4) system.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Understand the Tumor/Node/Metastasis System

1. Know that pancreatic cancer is very difficult to detect in its early stages because it tends to remain relatively symptom-free until it begins to spread. Make sure you are screened regularly for pancreatic cancer if you are a smoker, diabetic or over the age of 60, as those demographics are at increased risk.
2. Familiarize yourself with the different Tumor stages. T-is, an abbreviation for 'Tumor in situ,' is the earliest possible stage. It means the cancer has not spread at all, though this is an extremely rare diagnosis in cases involving cancer of the pancreas.
3. Differentiate stages T1 through T4. In stage T1, the tumor is small, measuring 2 cm or less in any direction. T2 means the tumor exceeds 2 cm in diameter. T3 means the tumor has spread into tissues surrounding the pancreas but is not yet affecting nearby organs. T4 indicates the cancer has spread into the stomach, spleen or major blood vessels.
4. Know that the Node designations are divided into N0, meaning there is no spread of the cancer into your lymph nodes, and N1, meaning it has. The 'N1' classification is further subdivided into 'pN1a,' meaning the cancer affects only a single lymph node. The designation of 'pN2a' means it affects multiple lymph nodes.
5. Understand that metastasis is the most serious and, unfortunately, most common progression of pancreatic cancer. 'M0' simply means that metastasis, or spread of the cancer tumor into far-away organs, has not yet taken place. 'M1' indicates that metastasis of your pancreatic cancer has already occurred.

Know the Stage-Number System

6. Realize that Stage 1 pancreatic cancer indicates the cancer tumor has not yet spread beyond the pancreas. Immediate treatment and cessation of contributory lifestyle factors, such as smoking, are of crucial importance.
7. Know that Stage 2 means the pancreatic cancer tumor has moved into nearby tissues and organs, but that lymph nodes are not yet affected.
8. Understand that a Stage 3 diagnosis indicates the tumor has begun to grow not only into nearby organ and tissue systems, but that at least 1 (and possibly more than 1) lymph node is also affected.
9. Differentiate Stage 4-A and Stage 4-B pancreatic cancer. In Stage 4-A diagnoses, major organs and blood vessels in the proximity of your pancreas are affected. Lymph nodes may or may not contain cancer growth in Stage 4-A pancreatic cancer. In Stage 4-B pancreatic cancer, sometimes called 'advanced cancer,' the tumor has spread far beyond the pancreas and is now present in organs such as the lungs, kidneys or liver.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware that the law guarantees your cancer treatment will be administered free of discrimination and in a considerate, respectful manner. Labor laws are also in place to ensure your employer cannot penalize you for missing work to receive treatment or therapy, though these may differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
• Your treatment options are dependent upon the stage your pancreatic cancer has reached. Surgery is an option only in the early stages, before the malignant cell growth spreads to nearby tissues and organs.
• Ask your oncologist about the likelihood of your case worsening if you are facing lengthy wait times for treatment. He or she may be able to suggest measures you can implement to ensure your physical comfort under such circumstances.
• Discuss the onset of psychological conditions, such as depression or feelings of despair, with your doctor or a mental health expert. He or she can offer support services or drug treatments that can ease the psychological burden of a cancer diagnosis to a significant degree.

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