Using digital image recognition in the fight against malignant melanoma: UKL Dermatological Clinic with modern technology for the early detection of malignant melanoma

Dermatology, as a highly visual field of modern medicine, offers many opportunities for the use of digital image recognition and processing, for example in the automated analysis of pigmented moles such as the well-known liver spots.

The Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology at Leipzig University Hospital has recently started using a latest-generation whole-body imaging device for this purpose, which can be used for advanced skin cancer screening.

The examination technique consists of two stages: total body mapping, in which a large part of the skin surface is automatically captured and high-resolution medical image data is generated within a few seconds, and video dermoscopy. The latter is a high-resolution scan of a single mole to rule out the possibility that this pigment mark is the dangerous black skin cancer.

"This modern system with a 50 megapixel camera offers us several advantages," explains Dr Anna-Theresa Seitz, Head Physician at the UKL Dermatology Clinic, who took the initiative for the purchase of the device together with Clinic Director Prof Jan C. Simon. "Images from past examinations can be saved. In the case of already documented lesions, the system recognises even minor benign or malignant changes over time through a before-and-after comparison, but can also detect new lesions," says Dr Seitz.

Analysis software provides doctors with further indications of malignancy (malignancy), which significantly increases the accuracy of melanoma detection, says the UKL head physician. Behind the analysis software is an algorithm trained by artificial intelligence (AI), which had previously been "fed" with thousands of similar images. "The analysis software supports us. However, the final decision always remains with the doctors," emphasises Dr Anna-Theresa Seitz.

The system is well established in large dermatology centres and makes the work much easier, says Clinic Director Prof. Simon: "Previously, the images were taken with a normal camera. Markings of pigment characteristics were then laboriously created in order to be able to compare possible changes during the next examination," he explains. "Today, thanks to the combination of body mapping and video dermoscopy, only selected areas are recorded individually."

The incidence rate of malignant melanoma, or black skin cancer, is rising. Against this background, Prof Simon believes that prevention is of crucial importance. The combination of full-body images and video dermoscopy of selected areas is an effective strategy for the early detection of melanoma, especially in high-risk patients.

One flaw remains: at the moment, statutory health insurance companies do not yet cover the costs of this service.

Press release of the "Leipzig University Hospital" from 25 January 2024