Pope Leo XIV has undergone surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after routine health checks uncovered a suspicious growth. The Vatican confirmed the operation in a medical bulletin this week, following the weekend announcement of his lung cancer diagnosis. Tests identified the growth as lung adenocarcinoma, a common type of non-small cell lung cancer.
Surgery at Gemelli Hospital
Medical teams at Rome's Gemelli Hospital took approximately 90 minutes to complete the procedure on October 13, 2026. The 71-year-old pontiff is now expected to remain in hospital for around a week while he recovers. As the lesion was caught early and had not spread, oncologists note that surgical intervention at this stage offers a positive prognosis.
Further analysis of the removed lymph nodes will determine whether any additional follow-up treatments, such as targeted therapy or chemotherapy, will be required.
Five lesser-known symptoms
In light of the Pope's health news, Doctor Amir Khan, a familiar face on ITV daytime shows This Morning and Lorraine, shared five lesser-known symptoms of lung cancer on his Instagram account that everyone should know.
Dr Khan stated in the video: "When it comes to lung cancer, many of us know the more common ways it might present, particular in those who smoke, such as a cough that's been present for three weeks or more, or coughing up blood. But here are five ways you may not know about and should get checked by a clinician."
1. Unexplained chest or shoulder pain
The first symptom the doctor emphasised was unexplained chest or shoulder pain. "If it's not your heart or a pulled muscle, get unexplained chest, shoulder or upper back pain checked out," said the expert.
2. A new, persistent and unexplained hoarse voice
"Sometimes you can get a tumour in the top of you lung which sits on a nerve that goes to your voice box and that can change your voice, so get this checked," advised the medic.
3. Unexplained weight loss
Dr Khan highlighted this symptom is especially important to investigate in those who smoke.
4. Swollen lymph glands in the neck or clavicle area
The doctor stressed that it's particularly vital to get this issue examined if they've been present for three weeks.
5. Unexplained shortness of breath
Dr Khan recommended that if routine activities are making you breathless when they normally wouldn't, the situation requires further examination. He concluded: "Remember, it's probably not cancer, but it's best to get these things checked out early."
Common signs and UK statistics
In its early stages, lung cancer frequently presents no obvious symptoms whatsoever, which is precisely why early detection—such as through routine scans—is so crucial. When symptoms do begin to appear, you should look out for a persistent or changing cough, coughing up blood, recurrent infections, and persistent fatigue.
Around 50,200 people are diagnosed with lung cancer every year in the UK, making it the UK's third most common type of cancer, accounting for nearly 140 new cases every single day. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the UK, claiming around 32,800 lives each year (roughly 90 people per day). It primarily affects older adults, with nearly half (46%) of all new cases diagnosed in people aged 75 and over, and it is relatively rare in individuals under 40.
Approximately 79% of lung cancer cases are preventable. While tobacco smoking is the primary cause (linked to over 70% of cases), around 6,000 people who have never smoked die from the disease in the UK annually. It's always advisable to consult your GP if you have any concerns about your health.
