Pope Leo's lung surgery is set for the next few days
Doctors found a small lung nodule, and the Vatican did not say whether it is malignant.
Pope Leo says he will have surgery to remove a small growth in his lung. The 71-year-old pope told pilgrims in St Peter's Square during his weekly Sunday prayer.
Leo said the growth was well-contained and had been spotted early. Doctors found the nodule during recent medical checks and advised surgery.
The operation is scheduled for the next few days. The Vatican did not say whether the nodule is believed to be malignant.
The American Thoracic Society says fewer than 5 per cent of lung nodules overall prove cancerous. The Vatican expects recovery from the surgery to take about a week.
- 71
- Pope's age
- About a week
- Expected recovery
Why it mattersIt is the first health scare of Leo's time as pope, and he has an 11-day trip to South America planned for November.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, though the pope's November trip does not include Australia.
Corroborated byperthnow.com.au·7news.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 4 h ago
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