ANNISTON — The Egyptian mummy on permanent display at the Anniston Museum of Natural History remains stable, a museum spokesperson confirmed this week, amid news that Regional Medical Center has introduced a new minimally invasive lung cancer detection technology to northeast Alabama.

RMC announced Wednesday the launch of its Ion bronchoscopy program, which uses a robotic bronchoscope to navigate deep into the lung and collect tissue samples for biopsy. The technology represents a significant advancement in early lung cancer detection for qualifying patients.

The museum's mummy does not qualify. Museum staff noted that the mummy's internal organs, including the lungs, were removed during the mummification process, which occurred approximately 3,276 years ago. The canopic jars holding the preserved organs are on display separately.

"The lungs are in the jar," said a museum educator.

She was asked whether they could theoretically be assessed by Ion bronchoscopy at this point.

She said she did not think the technology was designed for jars.

RMC spokesperson Carol Drummond confirmed that the Ion bronchoscopy system is intended for living patients with lung tissue in the standard anatomical location. She noted that the program is now accepting referrals from area physicians. She did not address the mummy specifically, as this reporter did not raise the question with RMC directly. This reporter notes the question was implied.

The mummy has been on display at the Anniston Museum since the collection was acquired in the early twentieth century. It has been stable throughout. Museum staff conduct periodic condition reviews. The most recent review found no changes.

RMC's Ion bronchoscopy program is available by physician referral. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday.