Overview
Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer is when the cancer has spread from your pancreas to other parts of your body. It may have spread to the lungs, liver or lining of your tummy (peritoneum).
Understanding your Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer diagnosis will help you partner with your doctors to make the best treatment choice for you. Tap “Watch Now” for an easy-to-understand overview of Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer.
- Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer
Overview
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Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer diagnosis, also referred to as Metastatic, means that the tumor in your pancreas is any size and the cancer has also spread to other parts of your body.
Pancreatic Cancer spread can include spread to the lungs, liver, or peritoneal cavity or the body cavity that contains most of the organs in the abdomen, as shown here in the image.
What Tests Will I Need and Why?
Blood and Imaging tests are done to understand your general health, confirm your diagnosis and determine your cancer stage.
Tissue analysis can be done to identify the cancer cell type, which is critical to finding the best treatment option for you.
You may also require special Saliva or Blood Analysis to look for specific mutations (actual changes in your body’s DNA), called BRCA1 and BRCA2.
If your treatment team has not already performed tests to determine your cancer’s features, please ask your doctor when these tests will be performed.
Re-read this summary as needed and then tap, “Compare My Treatment Options Now“. Our unique Comparison Page will help you understand your FDA-approved treatment options including, who can help you pay for your treatment, where and how each is given and what side-effects you may experience.
National Institute of Health/ treatment-pancreatic
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Commonly Searched Questions
Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer Prevention
Specific prevention strategies for Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer are not detailed. However, general recommendations to help reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer include:
- Healthy Diet: Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Achieve and sustain a healthy weight through balanced eating and regular physical activity.
- Avoid Smoking: Refrain from smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Limit Alcohol: Consume alcohol in moderation, if at all.
- Manage Chronic Conditions: Effectively manage conditions like diabetes and chronic pancreatitis.
These strategies focus on reducing the risk factors associated with pancreatic cancer and supporting overall health. For personalized prevention and management advice, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended.
Source: Pancan.org
Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer Definition
Stage 4 means the cancer has metastasized, or spread, to another part of the body. It often spreads to the liver, abdominal wall, lungs, distant lymph nodes or a combination of these.
Source: Pancan.org
Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer Survival Rate
Stage 4 pancreatic cancer has spread beyond the pancreas and into other organs.
Doctors are not able to cure cancer at this stage, and treatments aim to improve the person’s quality of life, relieve their symptoms, and prolong their life. Many specific factors, including age and general health, play a role in a person’s outlook.
According to the American Cancer Society, when pancreatic cancer has spread to distant organs, the 5-year survival rate is approximately 3%.
Source: Medicalnewstoday.com
Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
Stage 4 patients usually get a treatment that travels through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells that are in many places throughout the body. Stage 4 treatment is typically chemotherapy.
Source: Pancan.org
Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer often don’t occur until the disease is advanced. They may include:
- Abdominal pain that radiates to your back
- Loss of appetite or unintended weight loss
- Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)
- Light-colored stools
- Dark-colored urine
- Itchy skin
Source: Mayoclinic.org
Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer Recurrence Rate
Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, also known as metastatic pancreatic cancer, has a very high recurrence rate. In this stage, the cancer has spread beyond the pancreas to distant organs such as the liver, lungs, or peritoneum. Despite treatment, such as chemotherapy or targeted therapies, the majority of patients with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer will experience disease progression or recurrence. The prognosis for Stage 4 pancreatic cancer remains poor, with the focus of treatment often shifting to palliative care to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. For the most current and detailed information, consulting cancer.org or a healthcare professional is recommended.
Source: Pancan.org
