(Des Moines, IA) -- Local doctors are trying a more streamlined approach to lung cancer treatment.
Mercy Cancer Center is the first hospital in the region, to do a biopsy and then remove the lung cancer tumor while the patient is still under anesthesia.
Dr. Ali Alalmeri, Mercy One Medical Center in Des Moines says combining the early diagnosis with same-day surgery is a "win" for patients, because it cuts weeks of waiting time for the biopsy results.
He's also reminding patients 50 and over, with a smoking history, insurance will cover a yearly CT scan of their lungs.
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