Pope diagnosed with lung cancer

Surgeons at Gemelli Hospital in Rome performed surgery on Tuesday and discovered Pope Leo XIV has adenocarcinoma after finding a suspicious nodule in his lung.

Surgery removes lower lobe

Dr. Stefano Margaritora led the team that operated on the Pope. During the ninety minute operation, Margaritora removed the lower lobe of the Pope's right lung.

What is lung adenocarcinoma

Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer worldwide, accounting for forty to forty five percent of lung cancer cases globally. It grows more slowly than other types.

Why surgeons removed lung tissue

Surgeons decided to remove part of the Pope's lung to ensure a radical resection, meaning doctors wanted to remove any tissue that might be cancerous and prevent disease recurrence.

“to ensure a radical resection”

Pope's recovery and next steps

The Pope woke without complications and requested dinner. He will remain at Gemelli for one week while additional tests on his removed tissue guide doctors on what treatments might be needed.

Treatment options available

Treatment depends on test results. For Stage one cancer, surgery and monitoring may be sufficient. More advanced cases may need targeted therapies, immunotherapy or checkpoint inhibitors.

Pope expected to resume duties

The Vatican reports the Pope was active before surgery, playing tennis and taking regular walks. Experts believe he should return to daily activities with very little limitation after treatment.

“he should be able to do what he wants to do with very little limitation”