Pancreatic cancer is a rare but highly dangerous disease, according to the K Hospital. It is challenging to detect and treat, and it has a high mortality rate. The five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer patients is only about 9.3%.

**Stages of Pancreatic Cancer:**
Stage 1: The tumor is less than 2cm and is confined to the pancreas. This stage usually exhibits no symptoms, making it difficult for patients to detect.
Stage 2: The tumor has grown to between 2cm and 4cm and has invaded nearby tissues but has not affected blood vessels. Cancer cells may have spread to surrounding lymph nodes.
Stage 3: The tumor is larger than 6cm, and cancer cells have invaded blood vessels and spread to nearby lymph nodes and organs.
Stage 4: The tumor can be of any size and has spread to distant organs such as the liver, lungs, or peritoneum.
Unfortunately, most cases of pancreatic cancer are diagnosed at advanced stages, with only about 10% detected early. The survival rate drops significantly once the cancer has metastasized, especially to the liver.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer that has metastasized to the liver include loss of appetite, abdominal pain, gallbladder enlargement, loose and dark-colored stools, and sudden unexplained weight loss.
Additionally, the spread of cancer to the liver can cause bile duct obstruction, resulting in jaundice due to compression of the liver’s stem. Patients may experience weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
Treatment options for metastatic pancreatic cancer to the liver depend on the type and stage of cancer, tumor size, and the patient’s overall health. The goal of treatment at this stage is primarily to alleviate symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.
Even with treatment, the prognosis for metastatic pancreatic cancer is poor, with a median survival rate of 2 to 3 years after surgery and a high recurrence rate. For those in the late stages, where surgery is not an option, the survival rate is often less than a year from diagnosis.