Pope Leo XIV has lung cancer, the Vatican announced in a press release. The Holy See Press Office added that the lower lobe of his right lung had been removed.
The 71-year-old had announced a couple of days back he’d undergo operation after a nodule was found on his lung during a medical checkup.
Pope’s cancer diagnosis: Full statement
“The Holy Father underwent thoracic surgery as scheduled. To ensure a radical procedure, the lower lobe of the right lung was removed using a video-assisted technique. The intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, as suspected by the pre-operative tests. The Holy Father was in the operating theatre for approximately three hours; the operation itself lasted about ninety minutes. The operation was successful and there were no complications. Following the operation, the Pope woke up normally and, after a brief period of observation, returned to his room on the tenth floor,” the statement read.
“The surgical team was led by Professor Stefano Margaritora, assisted by Professor Elisa Meacci, Dr Maria Teresa Congedo and Dr Leonardo Petracca Caravella. The anaesthesia team consisted of Professor Massimo Antonelli, Dr Giovanni Punzo and Dr Giuseppe Bello,” it added.
What is lung adenocarcinoma?
Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer starting in the glands lining one’s organs. It is the most common type of cancer which involves one’s organs and can impact many areas of your body, including the breast, colon/rectum, esophagus, lungs, pancreas, prostate, and stomach.
The first symptom of lung adenocarcinoma is usually a chronic cough, Cleveland Clinic reports. One might cough up saliva and mucus along with small amounts of blood. Other symptoms might include shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, and hoarseness.
