A Series-Based Deep Learning Approach to Lung Nodule Image Classification

Cancers (Basel). 2023 Jan 30;15(3):843. doi: 10.3390/cancers15030843.

Abstract

Although many studies have shown that deep learning approaches yield better results than traditional methods based on manual features, CADs methods still have several limitations. These are due to the diversity in imaging modalities and clinical pathologies. This diversity creates difficulties because of variation and similarities between classes. In this context, the new approach from our study is a hybrid method that performs classifications using both medical image analysis and radial scanning series features. Hence, the areas of interest obtained from images are subjected to a radial scan, with their centers as poles, in order to obtain series. A U-shape convolutional neural network model is then used for the 4D data classification problem. We therefore present a novel approach to the classification of 4D data obtained from lung nodule images. With radial scanning, the eigenvalue of nodule images is captured, and a powerful classification is performed. According to our results, an accuracy of 92.84% was obtained and much more efficient classification scores resulted as compared to recent classifiers.

Keywords: 4D classification; deep learning; lung nodule image; radial scanning.

Grants and funding

This study was conducted with financial support from the scientific research funds of the “1 Decembrie 1918” University of Alba Iulia, Romania.