BREAKING
Frankfurt-Delhi Air India flight security alert: Passengers deboarded at Jaipur airport, probe onBittu Tabahi’s Eight-Month River Cleanup Undone As Garbage Returns To Ajnar RiverGautam Adani shares what Michael Bloomberg’s vision means for IndiaCM Mohan Charan Majhi launches affordable urban housingAir India Frankfurt-Delhi flight makes emergency landing in Jaipur after Squawk 7500 alertAnupam Kher says ‘Khosla Ka Ghosla’ and its characters are ‘immortal’Canada aims to seal trade pact during PM Modi’s visit: Indian envoyAdivi Sesh urges Assam government to review proposed resort development near KazirangaOver 6,800 candidates contest college pollsSaurav Das, Ranka sent to 5-day judicial custody; Shinde released on personal bond
Health

Pope Leo had lung adenocarcinoma: Why there were no symptoms till a routine check

hellohimachalse@gmail.com 14 Oct 2026 1 hour ago

Published: October 14, 2026 10:44 AM IST


Updated: October 14, 2026 10:54 AM IST

It’s in Stages three or four that a patient starts experiencing the cancer’s symptoms.

Pope Leo, who is one of the youngest popes in the past 40 years, revealed a few days ago that he was undergoing a procedure to remove nodules in his lungs. On Tuesday, it was revealed that the 71-year-old Pontiff has early stage cancer, which was detected during routine checks. Interestingly, he had no symptoms, infections, or illnesses. The whole lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung was removed, and he is expected to be hospitalised for a week. Meanwhile, why didn’t his cancer, lung adenocarcinoma, have any symptoms?

Lack of pain receptors
Lung adenocarcinoma, which is the common subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is often found in people who have never smoked, young adults and women, says Harvard Health. It grows more slowly than other types of lung cancer and can eventually spread to the lymph nodes and other organs. It also mostly develops in the outer edges of the lungs, far from the breathing tubes and won’t block airflow or trigger reflexes like coughing.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention says that over time, when symptoms start appearing, they often get dismissed as a mild cough, allergies or bronchitis. This type of cancer is often discovered during routine checks, scans or X-rays. 

When symptoms appear
It’s in Stages three or four that a patient starts experiencing the cancer’s symptoms. At this time, it would have expanded in the chest and airway, and the cells also travel through the bloodstream. The symptoms are:
a) Recurrent cough
b) Discomfort in the shoulders, chest, back
c) Loss of appetite
d) Weight loss
e) Fatigue
f) Dizziness
g) Balance issues   

What causes lung adenocarcinoma?
First and second hand smoking are often quoted as the leading cause for this type of cancer. However, it is commonly found in those who have never used tobacco as well. Here are the other reasons, according to the Mayo Clinic, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Cancer Society:    
a) Exposure to radon gas
b) Air pollution
c) Family history of the disease
d) Presence of the GPC5 gene
e) Taking high doses of beta-carotene supplements
f) High levels of arsenic in drinking water  

Related News