AI Assists in Early Detection of Lung Cancer
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is considered capable of supporting medical personnel in identifying lung cancer at an early stage, especially through the detection of nodules or small lumps in the lungs that have the potential to become malignant.
“In chest X-ray examinations, AI-based systems can help mark areas suspected of being lung nodules that require further evaluation through CT scans for more detailed characterization,” said Radiologist Dr. Dewi Tantra Hardiyanto, as reported by Antara.
She explained that the use of AI in chest X-ray examinations makes the process of identifying suspicious areas faster, so patients can immediately be referred for further, more accurate examinations.
Dewi said that AI technology can help mark parts of the lung suspected of being nodules before further analysis is carried out using CT scans.
However, she emphasized that not all lung nodules lead to cancer. Some of them are benign and do not require intensive treatment. Assessment of the shape, size of the nodule, and patient risk factors remains the basis for determining the level of suspicion, with the final decision being made by the doctor.
Meanwhile, Thoracic Oncology Subspecialist Dr. Sita Laksmi Andarini, Ph.D., Sp.P(K), said that the use of AI in the screening process can improve the efficiency of lung cancer detection, especially in recognizing potentially malignant nodules early on.
“In this case, the process of screening for lung diseases, especially lung cancer, with the help of AI technology can help doctors make more efficient detections,” said the doctor, who is a member of the Indonesian Oncology Association of Jakarta.
Based on GLOBOCAN 2020 data, lung cancer is in third place as the type of cancer with the largest number of new cases in Indonesia. Many new patients are diagnosed after entering the advanced stage because the early symptoms of this disease are often not specific or resemble mild respiratory disorders. With the use of AI for lung cancer detection, it is hoped that cases can be found earlier. (H-4)