Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed with Lung Cancer After Surgery

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer following surgery to remove a section of his right lung, the Vatican confirmed on Tuesday. The 71-year-old pope is currently recovering at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital after the procedure.

The surgery involved the removal of the lower lobe of his right lung, and doctors diagnosed ‘lung adenocarcinoma’, the most common form of lung cancer. Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora issued a statement through the Holy See Press Office confirming that the operation lasted around 90 minutes and was successful, with no complications reported.

Pope Leo has regained consciousness post-surgery and is back in his room on the hospital’s 10th floor. On Sunday, the pope disclosed that recent medical check-ups had uncovered a localized nodule in his lung. The medical team identified the growth at an early stage, and doctors advised surgery to remove it. Further evaluations will ascertain if additional treatments are needed.

When Will the Pope Resume His Duties?

The Vatican has canceled the Pope’s public engagements until October 20 as he recuperates. He is anticipated to remain in the hospital for about a week, based on news reports. His scheduled trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in November is still planned to proceed.

What Is Adenocarcinoma?

Adenocarcinoma is a kind of cancer that arises in glandular cells, which are responsible for producing substances like mucus. It is the most prevalent type of non-small cell lung cancer in the lungs and often develops in the outer regions of the lungs. The condition can occur in both smokers and non-smokers, including those without a history of tobacco use.

Symptoms might include a persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, or unexplained weight loss. However, some patients might not display noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Treatment options depend on the cancer’s stage, specific characteristics, and the patient’s overall health, and they may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies like immunotherapy.

If detected early and surgically removed, lung adenocarcinoma may offer a more favorable outlook. Still, the necessity for further treatment and the long-term prognosis rely on pathology results and whether the cancer has spread.

This is a developing story, with updates to follow as more information becomes available.