Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer (Image: Vatican Pool, Getty Images)
The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Leo XIV is being treated for lung cancer after undergoing successful surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. The diagnosis was announced over the weekend and detailed in a medical bulletin issued this week.
The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the operation on October 13, 2026, after routine medical checks detected a suspicious growth. Laboratory tests identified the lesion as lung adenocarcinoma, one of the most common forms of non-small cell lung cancer.
Doctors at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital completed the procedure in around 90 minutes. The Pope is expected to remain at the hospital for approximately a week as he recovers.
Because the tumour was found at an early stage and had not spread beyond the affected area, oncologists say surgery can offer a positive outlook.
Further testing on the lymph nodes removed during the operation will determine whether Pope Leo needs additional treatment, including chemotherapy or targeted medicines.
Dr Amir Khan shared five ‘uncommon’ symptoms of the disease (Image: Getty)
Following the news about the Pope’s diagnosis, attention has returned to advice from Dr Amir Khan on the less familiar warning signs associated with lung cancer.
The physician, who is a regular contributor to ITV programmes including This Morning and Lorraine, previously outlined five unusual symptoms in a post shared on Instagram.
In the video, Dr Khan said: “When it comes to lung cancer, many people are aware of the more familiar symptoms, particularly among smokers. These can include a cough lasting three weeks or longer, or coughing up blood.
“However, there are also five less well-known signs that should be assessed by a medical professional.”
1. Unexplained chest or shoulder pain
The first symptom highlighted by Dr Khan was persistent, unexplained pain affecting the chest or shoulder.
“If the pain is not linked to a heart problem or a pulled muscle, unexplained discomfort in the chest, shoulder or upper back should be checked,” he advised.
Unexplained shortness of breath is one symptom worth checking out, according to the expert (Image: Organic Media via Getty Images)
2. A new, persistent and unexplained hoarse voice
A tumour near the top of the lung can press on a nerve connected to the voice box, Dr Khan explained. This may cause a person’s voice to become hoarse or noticeably different, making medical assessment important.
3. Unexplained weight loss
Dr Khan said unexplained weight loss should be taken particularly seriously by people who smoke, as it can be an early indication of an underlying illness.
4. Swollen lymph glands in the neck or clavicle area
The doctor said that it’s even more vital to get this issue checked if they’ve been there for three weeks.
5. Unexplained shortness of breath
Dr Khan advised that if everyday activities are leaving you breathless when they ordinarily wouldn’t, the matter warrants further investigation.
He concluded: “Remember, it’s probably not cancer, but it’s best to get these things checked out early.”
What are common signs of lung cancer?
In its early stages, lung cancer often produces no noticeable symptoms at all, which is why early detection (such as during routine scans) is so important.
When symptoms do develop, you should look out for:
- Persistent or changing cough
- Coughing up blood
- Recurrent infections
- Persistent fatigue
It’s best to check with your GP if you’re worried about any health issues you’re having.
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