via Reddit
Algorithm that performs as accurately as dermatologists
A study has now been presented that boosts the evidence for using AI solutions in skin cancer diagnostics. With an algorithm they devised themselves, scientists at the University of Gothenburg show the capacity of technology to perform at the same level as dermatologists in assessing the severity of skin melanoma.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, and its results are the work of a research group at the Department of Dermatology and Venereology at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg.
The study was conducted at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg. Its purpose was, through machine learning (ML), to train an algorithm to determine whether skin melanoma is invasive and there is a risk of it spreading (metastatizing), or whether it remains at a growth stage in which it is confined to the epidermis, with no risk of metastasis.
The algorithm was trained and validated on 937 dermatoscopic images of melanoma, and subsequently tested on 200 cases. All the cases included were diagnosed by a dermatopathologist.
Algorithm vs dermatologist
The majority of melanomas are found by patients rather than doctors. This suggests that, in most cases, diagnosis is relatively easy. Before surgery, however, it is often much more difficult to determine the stage the melanoma has reached.
To make the classifications more accurate, dermatologists use dermatoscopes — instruments that combine a type of magnifying glass with bright illumination. In recent years, interest in using ML for skin tumor classifications has increased, and several publications have shown that ML algorithms can perform on par with, or even better than, experienced dermatologists.
The current study is now giving a further boost to research in this field. When the same classification task was performed by the algorithm on the one hand and seven independent dermatologists on the other, the result was a draw.
Support for patients and doctors
“None of the dermatologists significantly outperformed the ML algorithm,” states Sam Polesie, a researcher at the University of Gothenburg and specialist doctor at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, who is the corresponding author of the study.
In a developed form, the algorithm could serve as support in the task of assessing the severity of skin melanoma before surgery. The classification affects how extensive an operation needs to be, and is therefore important for both the patient and the surgeon.
“The results of the study are interesting, and the hope is that the algorithm can be used as clinical decision support in the future. But it needs refining further, and prospective studies that monitor patients over time are necessary, too,” Polesie concludes.
Original Article: Algorithm that performs as accurately as dermatologists
More from: University of Gothenburg
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Skin cancer diagnostics
- Harry Jowsey Issues Summer Warning After ‘Doctors Found Skin Cancer’ On Him
"If you're freckly little frog like me, go get a mole map and get your body checked because you never know," said the TV personality ...
- Friendswood joins county in raising awareness to prevent skin cancer
Friendswood has joined other cities in the county to increase awareness about skin cancer and promote safety practices through its partnership with a diagnostics company and a national nonprofit.
- Too Hot to Handle ’s Harry Jowsey Shares Skin Cancer Diagnosis
The Too Hot to Handle alum shared that he was diagnosed with skin cancer after a recent visit to the doctor ... Stars React to Olivia Munn's Breast Cancer Diagnosis More from E! Online 10-Year-Old Boy ...
- King Charles cancer diagnosis: The history of illnesses in the Royal Family
As King Charles undergoes treatment for cancer, here is a look back at other health conditions in the Royal Family ...
- Hometown Hero: Mary Colette Coyne inspired to fight skin cancer after daughter's death
One campaign member who praised Coyne’s efforts is Corey Eisner, whose wife, Mary Ann, died after what he called “a fierce battle” with melanoma more than 20 years ago. Eisner, of Levittown, recalled ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Skin cancer diagnostics
[google_news title=”” keyword=”skin cancer diagnostics” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Artificial intelligence diagnostics
- Decoding Quest Diagnostics Inc (DGX): A Strategic SWOT Insight
Quest Diagnostics Inc demonstrates robust financial performance with significant revenue from its DIS business. Recent acquisitions and the Invigorate program highlight the company's strategic growth ...
- The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Job Market Trends
Are robots taking over our jobs? Will artificial intelligence make human labor obsolete? These questions have been wandering over the job market for years, sparking debates and fears about the future ...
- Randomised controlled trials evaluating artificial intelligence in clinical practice: a scoping review
This scoping review of randomised controlled trials on artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical practice reveals an expanding interest in AI across clinical specialties and locations. The USA and ...
- Quest Diagnostics Beats Q1 Estimates; Raises Guidance
Founded in 1993, The Motley Fool is a financial services company dedicated to making the world smarter, happier, and richer. The Motley Fool reaches millions of people every month through our premium ...
- Artificial intelligence can evaluate cardiovascular risk during CT scan
A recent study designed and implemented by investigators at Cedars-Sinai found that artificial intelligence (AI) can accurately evaluate cardiovascular risk during a routine chest computed tomography ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Artificial intelligence diagnostics
[google_news title=”” keyword=”artificial intelligence diagnostics” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]