Pope Leo XIV’s lung cancer diagnosis: Why pulmonary adenocarcinoma can go undetected for years
Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer, following surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. What causes this cancer, can it affect non-smokers, and why is it often difficult to detect in its early stages?
Pope Leo XIV, 71 years old, has been diagnosed with pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer that often develops without symptoms in its early stages. This form of non-small cell lung cancer, which affects both smokers and non-smokers, can grow undetected for months or even years. The Vatican confirmed the diagnosis after surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, stating the procedure was successful with no complications.
Pulmonary adenocarcinoma develops in glandular cells, commonly in the outer regions of the lungs, and can grow without producing noticeable symptoms, making early detection challenging. Symptoms, when present, can include a persistent cough, breathlessness, chest discomfort, coughing up blood, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
Diagnosis typically involves chest X-rays, CT scans, PET-CT imaging, and biopsies, with molecular testing helping to identify genetic changes that may guide treatment options. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy, depending on the cancer's stage, location, and other clinical factors.
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