Pope Leo Declared Cancer-Free After Successful Lung Surgery
Vatican announces the pontiff will require no further treatment following removal of a cancerous mass.
Pope Leo has been declared cancer-free after successful treatment for lung cancer, the Vatican announced Wednesday. The 71-year-old pontiff was released from the hospital on Saturday, four days after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous mass from his lung.
According to the Vatican press office, the pontiff, who hails from Chicago, Illinois, will not need any additional treatment. "The final histological reports and molecular biology analyses of the tissue removed during the Holy Father’s surgery were issued today," stated Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora.
"The results confirmed that the tumor was a lung adenocarcinoma and that the disease was localized," they continued. "A subsequent oncological assessment has confirmed that no further treatment is necessary."
Pulmonary adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 40 percent of cases worldwide. The Vatican's announcement indicates a positive outcome for the pontiff's health following the procedure.