What is stage 4 pancreatic cancer?

Stage 4 pancreatic cancer is characterized by the cancer's spread beyond the pancreas to other parts of the body, commonly to the liver, lungs, or other distant organs. This stage indicates that the disease has progressed significantly, making it more challenging to treat effectively. The presence of metastasis in stage 4 means that cancer cells have traveled from the original tumor site in the pancreas to other locations, marking a crucial shift in the cancer's severity and treatment approach.

Understanding the stages of cancer is vital, as it helps inform prognosis, treatment options, and expected outcomes for the patient. In contrast, the other stages and statuses mentioned in the choices refer to earlier or localized cases of pancreatic cancer, which do not involve such extensive spread and typically have different treatment strategies and prognoses.