Pope Leo has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer. The 71-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after doctors found a growth during a routine health check-up.
The diagnosis was confirmed on Tuesday following surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. The Vatican announced that the tumour was discovered early and described it as “well-contained”.
Adenocarcinoma develops in glandular cells and is the most prevalent subtype of non-small cell lung cancer, accounting for roughly 40% of lung cancer cases. It typically grows in the outer parts of the lungs and is often found at earlier stages than other types of lung cancer.
Smoking is the main risk factor, although adenocarcinoma is also common among non-smokers, and Pope Leo is not known to have smoked. Symptoms often do not appear until later stages, but can include a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and unexplained weight loss.
Surgery, particularly lobectomy, offers the best chance of cure for localized cancer. The treatment may also involve chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or targeted therapies depending on the cancer’s stage.
The prognosis varies based on cancer stage and spread. The Vatican has not released details about the tumour’s size or whether any lymph nodes are affected, making it difficult to assess Pope Leo’s prognosis at this stage. According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for non-small cell lung cancer is around 67% when confined to the lung, although outcomes may improve with advancements in treatment.
