WILMINGTON, N.C. – Novant Health patients throughout southeastern North Carolina now have local access to leading-edge lung cancer biopsy technology thanks to funding from the Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center Foundation.
The Ion robotic bronchoscopy technology allows for a minimally invasive biopsy of lung nodules that are difficult to reach, ultimately improving time from diagnosis to treatment if the nodule is malignant.
“Our expert physicians are now able to offer minimally invasive lung biopsies to promptly determine whether further treatment is needed,” said Dr. Heather Davis, chief clinical officer for the Novant Health Coastal Region. “We’re grateful for the foundation’s support to bring this technology to our community.”
Small nodules, or growths, in the lung can be visible on imaging of the chest. If a small nodule is detected, one option is to monitor the spot over time by scheduling follow-up imaging to see if it has grown.
With this technology, patients can choose to receive a minimally invasive biopsy, even when lung nodules are in narrow areas of the lung harder to access by conventional bronchoscopes. Ion robotic bronchoscopy technology uses thin, maneuverable catheters designed to reach small nodules.
Nationally, only 28 percent of lung cancers are diagnosed at an early stage, when the five-year survival rate is much higher, according to a 2025 report from the American Lung Association.
To support prompt care, Novant Health’s incidental lung nodule program helps detect abnormal nodules in patients who are receiving scans for other health concerns.
In partnership with radiology and pulmonology, the lung cancer team developed an electronic system to flag these nodules and ensure follow-up scans are ordered and completed. For patients with symptoms or more serious findings, scans are reviewed timely with either a pulmonologist or medical oncologist to determine the appropriate next steps.
For more information about the Novant Health Foundation, visit SupportNovantHealth.org.
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