Automated lung cancer T-Stage detection and classification using improved U-Net model

Abstract

Lung cancer results from the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. This research proposes an automated, improved U-Net model for lung cancer detection and tumor staging using the TNM system. A novel mask-generation process using thresholding and morphological operations is developed for the U-Net segmentation process. In the pre-processing stage, an advanced augmentation technique and contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) are implemented for image enhancement. The improved U-Net model, enhanced with an advanced residual network (ARESNET) and batch normalization, is trained to accurately segment the tumor region from lung computed tomography (CT) images. Geometrical parameters, including perimeter, area, convex area, solidity, roundness, and eccentricity, are used to find precise T-stage of lung cancer. Validation using performance metrics such as accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, precision, and recall shows the proposed hybrid method is more accurate than existing approaches, achieving a staging accuracy of 94%. This model addresses the need for a highly accurate automated technique for lung cancer staging, essential for effective detection and treatment.