What if skin cancer could be spotted early, even before you visit a doctor? Scientists at the University of Missouri are working on that possibility by using artificial intelligence (AI) to detect melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer.
Melanoma can be life-threatening if not caught early. The goal of the researchers is not to replace doctors but to help them. This new technology could be especially useful for people who live far from dermatologists or have trouble getting medical care. If signs of skin cancer can be detected sooner, patients could start treatment earlier—and that can save lives.
The study, published in the journal Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X, was led by Kamlendra Singh, a researcher in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri.
Singh and his team developed smart AI models that can look at images of a person’s skin and pick up on tiny details that may show early signs of melanoma. These details include changes in the size, shape, color, and texture of moles or skin spots.
To train the AI, the researchers used a huge set of images—about 400,000 photos of skin conditions, including known cases of melanoma. The images were collected using a special 3D photography system. This system creates a high-quality, full-body digital map of the skin, which helps the AI scan for problem areas all over the body.
Singh tested three different AI models to see which one could best tell the difference between dangerous and harmless skin spots. Each model was already pretty accurate on its own, reaching up to 88% accuracy. But when the researchers combined all three models into one system, the accuracy went up to more than 92%. That’s a major step forward.
Singh works at the Bond Life Sciences Center and is especially interested in using AI to help people in remote areas who may not have easy access to health specialists. As AI continues to learn from more and more images—especially ones showing a variety of skin tones and lighting conditions—it will get even better at spotting signs of skin cancer.
While the AI is not yet ready to be used in hospitals or clinics, Singh believes this research is an exciting step in the right direction. The idea is that doctors in the future might use AI as a helpful tool to make faster, more accurate decisions. It won’t replace expert care, but it could make that care better and more widely available.
Singh also thanked the University of Missouri for providing the tools and support needed to make this kind of high-tech research possible. He said that working at a top research university allows him to turn big ideas into real-world solutions that can help save lives.
If you care about skin health, please read studies about eating fish linked to higher risk of skin cancer, and Vitamin B3 could help prevent skin cancers.
For more health information, please see recent studies about vegetable oil linked to spread of cancer, and results showing Vitamin D could help treat skin inflammation.
The study is published in Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X.
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