Deep convolutional neural network with fusion strategy for skin cancer recognition: model development and validation

Chao Kuei Juan, Yu Hao Su, Chen Yi Wu, Chi Shun Yang, Chung Hao Hsu, Che Lun Hung*, Yi Ju Chen*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

We aimed to develop an accurate and efficient skin cancer classification system using deep-learning technology with a relatively small dataset of clinical images. We proposed a novel skin cancer classification method, SkinFLNet, which utilizes model fusion and lifelong learning technologies. The SkinFLNet's deep convolutional neural networks were trained using a dataset of 1215 clinical images of skin tumors diagnosed at Taichung and Taipei Veterans General Hospital between 2015 and 2020. The dataset comprised five categories: benign nevus, seborrheic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. The SkinFLNet's performance was evaluated using 463 clinical images between January and December 2021. SkinFLNet achieved an overall classification accuracy of 85%, precision of 85%, recall of 82%, F-score of 82%, sensitivity of 82%, and specificity of 93%, outperforming other deep convolutional neural network models. We also compared SkinFLNet's performance with that of three board-certified dermatologists, and the average overall performance of SkinFLNet was comparable to, or even better than, the dermatologists. Our study presents an efficient skin cancer classification system utilizing model fusion and lifelong learning technologies that can be trained on a relatively small dataset. This system can potentially improve skin cancer screening accuracy in clinical practice.

Original languageEnglish
Article number17087
Pages (from-to)17087
JournalScientific Reports
Volume13
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 10 10 2023
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

© 2023. Springer Nature Limited.

Keywords

  • Humans
  • Skin Neoplasms/pathology
  • Melanoma/pathology
  • Neural Networks, Computer
  • Skin/pathology
  • Keratosis, Seborrheic/diagnosis

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Deep convolutional neural network with fusion strategy for skin cancer recognition: model development and validation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this