What is a common characteristic of stage 4 pancreatic cancer?

Stage 4 pancreatic cancer is characterized by metastasis, meaning the cancer has spread from its original location in the pancreas to other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, or peritoneum. This is a critical aspect of understanding the progression of pancreatic cancer, as advanced stages are typically associated with more extensive disease.

At stage 4, the cancer has gone beyond the confines of the pancreas, making treatment more complex and the prognosis generally poorer. This spread not only influences treatment options but also impacts symptoms, overall health, and survival rates.

In contrast, cancer at earlier stages might be localized or asymptomatic and could potentially be curable through surgical options or other treatments, which is not the case in stage 4.