Lung cancer detection based on computed tomography image using convolutional neural networks

Abstract

Background: Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer, accounting for 12.8% of cancer cases worldwide. As initially non-specific symptoms occur, it is difficult to diagnose in the early stages.

Objective: Image processing techniques developed using machine learning methods have played a crucial role in the development of decision support systems. This study aimed to classify benign and malignant lung lesions with a deep learning approach and convolutional neural networks (CNNs).

Methods: The image dataset includes 4459 Computed tomography (CT) scans (benign, 2242; malignant, 2217). The research type was retrospective; the case-control analysis. A method based on GoogLeNet architecture, which is one of the deep learning approaches, was used to make maximum inference on images and minimize manual control.

Results: The dataset used to develop the CNNs model is included in the training (3567) and testing (892) datasets. The model's highest accuracy rate in the training phase was estimated as 0.98. According to accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive values of testing data, the highest classification performance ratio was positive predictive value with 0.984.

Conclusion: The deep learning methods are beneficial in the diagnosis and classification of lung cancer through computed tomography images.