The number of lung cancer cases in the U.S. continues to rise. Unfortunately lung cancer is hard to detect before it has reached a deadly stage. A new outpatient procedure is now available at North Central Baptist Hospital to help doctors explore deep inside the lungs without performing surgery. inReach ^TM System by superDimension uses electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy to reach lung tumors and lymph nodes in the smaller, harder to reach branches of the lungs.

The inReach system takes a CT scan of the patient's chest and creates a virtual three-dimensional "road map" of the lungs, somewhat like Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. This guides the physician to areas of concern. The inReach System enables physicians to detect lung disease earlier, sometimes before symptoms even occur and providing treatment options with better outcomes. David Marks, M.D. performs this type of bronchial navigation. Call 297-7005 or visit baptisthealthsystem.com to find out more.