New Ultrasound Technology in Diagnosing Lung Cancer

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http://centralillinoisproud.com/content ... ?cid=54441

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WMBD/WYZZ TV - PEORIA -- New technology, available right here in Central Illinois, is changing the way doctors diagnose lung cancer.

Thursday morning, doctors at OSF St. Francis Medical Center used the new technology on a patient in a live procedure that was shown simultaneously to conference attendees in Springfield. The technology is this small piece of equipment called an Endobronchial Ultrasound. It's a more high-tech ultrasound that allows doctors to insert this small scope orally, which helps them see what they're doing. This is something that isn't possible with current procedures.

Dr. Patrick Whitten was one of the pulmonologist during the live procedure and says, "What the difference is, is what we can see. We can see outside the lung, we know where the lymph nodes and blood vessels are, we can get better tissue, easier diagnosis. Quicker diagnosis leads to better treatment. "

Since the scope gives doctors a better view, no cutting is necessary. The procedure takes only a few hours and the patient goes home the same day. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in America.

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(centralillinoisproud.com, April 16, 2009)

Disclaimer:

The information contained in these articles may or may not be in agreement with my own opinions. They are not being posted with the intention of being medical advice of any kind.