What is pulmonary adenocarcinoma? Oncologist explains Pope Leo’s diagnosis

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with pulmonary adenocarcinoma following surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. The Holy See reported that the procedure used a video-assisted technique and lasted approximately 90 minutes. While the surgery was successful and free of complications, histological examination during the operation confirmed the cancer diagnosis that doctors had suspected from preoperative tests.

Dr. Luis Ráez, medical director at the Memorial Cancer Institute in Florida, told EWTN News that adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung tumor. He noted that while lung cancers are generally more aggressive than prostate or breast cancers, a patient's prognosis depends on the stage, tumor size, and whether the cancer has spread.

During the Angelus prayer on Sunday, Oct. 11, the pope stated that a lung nodule was detected at a very early stage and was well localized. Dr. Ráez suggested that the decision to perform surgery may indicate the cancer is not at an advanced stage.