Details on Pope Leo XIV's Lung Adenocarcinoma

Pope Leo XIV suffered from glandular lung cancer, which required surgery to remove part of his right lung. Adenocarcinoma of the lung is the most common type of lung cancer, often affecting smokers, although it can also occur in non-smokers. Symptoms include a persistent cough, blood, shortness of breath, and chest pain, and it may develop silently without noticeable symptoms. This type of cancer can be treated surgically if detected early, by removing part of the lung, though recurrence is possible if not diagnosed promptly. After treatment, patients undergo regular check-ups, and medications such as immunotherapy or chemotherapy are used to reduce tumor size or attack the cancer cells. It is recommended to quit smoking and to undergo regular cancer screenings, especially for those at higher risk, to increase the chances of early recovery and to reduce mortality rates from the disease.