In a statement issued after the operation, the Vatican said tests confirmed that the Pope has adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer. Earlier examinations had suggested its presence, which was confirmed during surgery.
The 71-year-old Pope spent nearly three hours in the operating room, although the procedure itself lasted about 90 minutes. The Vatican said the operation was successful, with no complications, and that he was immediately returned to his room.
Doctors removed the entire affected section of the lung to eliminate all tissue suspected of containing cancer and reduce the risk of leaving cancerous tissue behind.
However, no details have been released about the treatment he will receive next. The Vatican said doctors had not yet commented on whether he would undergo chemotherapy or other treatments, as they were awaiting the results of additional tests.
Lymph nodes, which help filter fluids and support the immune system, were also due to be removed and examined to determine whether the cancer had spread. The results have not yet been announced.
Dr Stephen Liu, a lung cancer specialist at Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, said adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer and can be treatable.
“Now that we know the diagnosis, we need to know what stage it is at,” he said, explaining that doctors must establish the size of the cancer, where it is located and the condition of the lymph nodes.
If the cancer has spread, further tests would be needed to determine the most appropriate treatment, which could include chemotherapy, immunotherapy to help the immune system fight cancer, or targeted drugs that attack cancer cells.
The Pope arrived at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on foot, greeting people who had gathered to wish him a speedy recovery. The surgical team was led by Dr Stefano Margaritora, head of thoracic surgery at the hospital.
This is the first major health problem to be publicly disclosed since he became Pope 17 months ago. On Sunday, he announced that a small tumour had been discovered and that he would undergo surgery to have it removed.
The Vatican has suspended his public audiences until October 20. He will stay in a room near the residence designated for popes, which is currently undergoing renovation.
It remains unclear whether he will proceed with his planned visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17. The trip will depend on how well he recovers.
Doctors generally advise patients who have undergone surgery to avoid air travel for the following three weeks. The planned trip would involve more than 31,000 kilometres of travel, 12 flights and two helicopter journeys.
Reports indicate that this would be the second time the Pope has been hospitalised. In 1985, while serving as a missionary priest in Peru, he contracted typhoid fever.
