Pope Leo XIV’s Lung Cancer Diagnosis: Why Lung Adenocarcinoma Can Go Undetected For Years | Today’s news
Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer that can develop without noticeable symptoms in its early stages and can affect both smokers and non-smokers.
A 71-year-old man underwent an operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. The Vatican said tests confirmed the diagnosis after doctors had suspected it during pre-operative examinations. According to the AP agency, the Vatican called the operation a success, without complications.
The diagnosis highlighted lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of non-small cell lung cancer, and the problems associated with its early detection.
Quick answers to key questions
•5 QUESTIONS
It is a type of non-small cell lung cancer that develops in glandular cells, often in the outer regions of the lungs. It can affect smokers and people who have never smoked.
Yes. Smoking is the main risk factor, but cancer is also diagnosed in people who have never smoked. Passive smoking, air pollution, radon and some workplace exposures can also increase the risk.
It can grow for months or years without noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages. It is sometimes found incidentally during imaging for another medical reason.
Possible symptoms include persistent or worsening cough, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, coughing up blood, fatigue and unexplained weight loss. The disease in its early stages may not cause any symptoms.
Diagnosis may include chest X-ray, CT scan, PET-CT imaging and biopsy; molecular testing can identify changes that can lead to treatment. Options depend on the stage of the cancer and other clinical factors and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.
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What is lung adenocarcinoma?
Lung adenocarcinoma develops in the glandular cells of the lungs and commonly occurs in the outer regions of the lungs. It can grow for months or years without causing noticeable symptoms, making early detection difficult.
“Lung adenocarcinoma is a type of lung cancer that tends to develop in the cells lining the lungs. It is a form of non-small cell lung cancer and is commonly seen in both smokers and non-smokers,” said Mint Dr. Sheeba Santhmayer, Consultant Radiation Oncologist, TGH ONCO LIFE Cancer Center, Talegaon.
Dr. Ashwani Kumar Sharma, vice-chairman of the Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Center and Onco-Robotic Surgeries, said smoking remains a major risk factor, although the disease is being diagnosed even in people who have never smoked.
Is lung adenocarcinoma related to smoking?
Smoking is the main risk factor, but it is not the only one. Exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, radon, and occupational carcinogens, including asbestos and diesel exhaust, may also increase risk. In some cases, genetic factors may contribute.
Dr. Santhmayer cautioned against assuming that lung cancer only affects smokers or that the absence of symptoms means there is no risk.
What symptoms should people watch for?
According to Dr. Santhmayer’s symptoms may include persistent or worsening cough, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, coughing up blood, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
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Because early-stage disease may not cause symptoms, it can sometimes be discovered incidentally during imaging performed for another medical reason. Persistent respiratory symptoms, especially coughing up blood or unexplained shortness of breath, require immediate medical attention.
How is lung adenocarcinoma diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosis may include a chest X-ray, CT scan, PET-CT imaging, and a biopsy to confirm cancer. Molecular testing can help identify genetic changes that can be targeted with specific treatments.
Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, location and other clinical factors. Options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
According to the AP, doctors have not yet announced the results of tests to determine whether Pope Leo XIV’s cancer has spread. it had spread to his lymph nodes.
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“Adenocarcinoma is the most common (type of lung cancer), also with the most favorable prognosis,” said Dr. Stephen Liu, a lung cancer specialist at Georgetown’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. “While we know the diagnosis, we now need to know the stage.
Liu said more information about tumor size, number of affected areas and lymph node involvement will help determine next steps in treatment.
