Pope Leo has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer. Surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung on Tuesday, the Vatican said. The disease develops in cells lining the lungs’ air sacs and can be tough to detect during early stages because it often causes no symptoms. Although smoking is the leading risk factor, the cancer also occurs frequently among people who have never smoked. Surgery offers the best chance of a cure when the tumour is confined to the lung, while treatment options for other cases include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and newer drug therapies. The Vatican has not disclosed the tumour’s size, whether cancer has reached nearby lymph nodes or what further treatment the Pope may require. These details are crucial in determining his prognosis, as survival rates vary significantly depending on how far the disease has spread.
