Artificial Intelligence in Skin Cancer Diagnosis: A Reality Check.

Journal: The Journal of investigative dermatology
Published Date:

Abstract

The field of skin cancer detection offers a compelling use case for the application of artificial intelligence (AI) within the realm of image-based diagnostic medicine. Through the analysis of large datasets, AI algorithms have the capacity to classify clinical or dermoscopic images with remarkable accuracy. Although these AI-based applications can operate both autonomously and under human supervision, the best results are achieved through a collaborative approach that leverages the expertise of both AI and human experts. However, it is important to note that most studies focus on assessing the diagnostic accuracy of AI in artificial settings rather than in real-world scenarios. Consequently, the practical utility of AI-assisted diagnosis in a clinical environment is still largely unknown. Furthermore, there exists a knowledge gap concerning the optimal use cases and deployment settings for these AI systems as well as the practical challenges that may arise from widespread implementation. This review explores the advantages and limitations of AI in a variety of real-world contexts, with a specific focus on its value to consumers, general practitioners, and dermatologists.

Authors

  • Gabriella Brancaccio
    Dermatology Unit, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy. Electronic address: gabriella.brancaccio@unicampania.it.
  • Anna Balato
    Dermatology Unit, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
  • Josep Malvehy
    Melanoma Unit, Dermatology Department, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Rarasd (CIBER ER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain.
  • Susana Puig
    Melanoma Unit, Dermatology Department, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Rarasd (CIBER ER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain.
  • Giuseppe Argenziano
    Dermatology Unit, University of Campania, Naples, Italy.
  • Harald Kittler
    ViDIR Group, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. Electronic address: harald.kittler@meduniwien.at.at.