Artificial Intelligence in Melanoma Detection: A Review of Current Technologies and Future Directions

Abstract

Early and accurate identification of malignant melanoma continues to be a major challenge for clinicians in the field. Traditional diagnostic approaches, including physical examination, histology, imaging, and nodal assessments, are frequently costly, require significant expertise, and can display large variations among clinicians. These factors may result in missed or misdiagnosis, which often significantly affects a patient’s prognosis. We examine in detail how the application of AI methods such as machine learning and deep learning can be used to advance early detection and identification of melanoma. We review various AI algorithms, including standard classifiers, ensemble techniques, and complex deep learning models. Hybrid models that combine convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and support vector machines (SVMs) are emphasized in this review, as they show enhanced performance and improved resistance to variations in the diagnostician’s input. Better utility of transfer learning and data augmentation approaches is discussed to overcome the challenges posed by small and unbalanced medical datasets. The authors consider the combination of various types of medical information for more effective cancer diagnosis. However, significant obstacles, including model explainability, privacy safeguarding, and clinical evaluation, still need to be addressed. Extensive efforts are needed to overcome these barriers if AI systems are to be effectively adopted within healthcare environments. We suggest that AI offers the opportunity to revolutionize melanoma care by enabling rapid decision support and individualized treatment plans. Realizing this opportunity will depend on effective partnerships between researchers, clinicians, and industry to bring together advances in technology and their effective implementation in the healthcare system.