Guide To Understanding Pancreatic Cancer Stages

Locally Advanced Tumors

Locally advanced tumors in pancreatic cancer are often found in Stage 3. They are tumors that have not spread to distant organs in the patient’s body, but surgeons cannot completely remove them with surgery. The reason that they cannot be completely removed is often that the tumor has grown into nearby blood vessels or surrounded them. Surgery to remove locally advanced tumors can be unhelpful and have major side effects. However, some less extensive surgeries may be performed. They are often to prevent or relieve symptoms. Surgeries for these tumors can also deal with issues such as a blocked intestinal tract or bile duct. In most cases, surgery on a locally advanced tumor is not intended to cure the patient’s pancreatic cancer. Other cancer treatments may be examined instead.

Learn more about pancreatic tumors and cancer staging now.