Overview
Stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer is when the cancer has spread beyond the pancreas and its size and location make it very difficult to be fully removed with surgery.
Understanding your Stage 3 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 3 Pancreatic Cancer.
- Stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer
Overview
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A Stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer diagnosis means that:
1. The tumor in your pancreas is any size and it has spread to 4 or more nearby lymph nodes shown at point a,
or,
2. The tumor has spread to your major blood vessels near the pancreas as shown in the image at point b.
This type of locally advanced Pancreatic Cancer has spread in such a way that surgery cannot completely remove the cancer. This is what makes it un-resectable.
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.
Replay this audio as often as needed and then take a look at our Commonly Searched Questions below.
National Institute of Health/ treatment-pancreatic
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Commonly Searched Questions
Stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer Definition
Stage 3 cancer means that 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.
Source: Pancreaticcancer.org.uk
Stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer Survival Rate
The five-year survival rate of Stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer which reflects how many patients out of 100 diagnosed with certain cancer live beyond five years is about 3%.
Source: Onco.com
Stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
At this stage, most tumors are unresectable (unable to be removed by surgery) and are treated with therapies that travel through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells throughout the body.
Source: Pancan.org
Stage 3 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 3 Pancreatic Cancer Recurrence Rate
Stage 3 pancreatic cancer has a high recurrence rate, as it is more advanced than earlier stages. In Stage 3, the cancer has spread to nearby major blood vessels or lymph nodes but has not yet metastasized to distant organs. Despite treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, the majority of patients with Stage 3 pancreatic cancer experience a recurrence of the disease. Recurrence rates can vary depending on several factors, including the patient’s overall health, the specifics of the cancer, and the treatment received. For precise recurrence rates, referring to the latest clinical studies or consulting a healthcare provider is advisable.
Source: Cancer.gov
Stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer Prevention
Specific prevention strategies for Stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer are not provided. However, general recommendations to reduce the risk of 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 Consumption: Drink alcohol in moderation or not at all.
- Manage Chronic Conditions: Effectively manage conditions like diabetes and chronic pancreatitis.
These measures are aimed at reducing the overall risk of pancreatic cancer and promoting general health. For personalized advice, consulting a healthcare provider is advised.
Source: Cancer.gov
