What we know about Pope Leo XIV's lung cancer diagnosis

Pope Leo XIV undergoes successful surgery to remove lung cancer tumour

The full report

Pope Leo XIV has undergone a successful surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his right lung. The Vatican confirmed that the pontiff had a lower lobe of his right lung removed on Tuesday and was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer.

According to medical experts, pulmonary adenocarcinoma, the type of tumour removed from the Pope, generally comes from a primary cancer, which means the tumour is from lung cancer instead of generating from the spread of another cancer.

Lung cancer is the top cause of cancer death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). However, the prognosis can vary significantly depending on the type of lung cancer and how advanced it is when first detected.

The five-year survival rate for lung adenocarcinoma is approximately 63 to 67 percent, but it can increase to 80 to 98 percent if caught early and surgically removed.

Pope Leo's thoracic surgery was successful with no complications, and he is recovering in hospital after the operation. The Vatican has confirmed that the pontiff is resting in his hospital room and is recovering normally.