AI Identifies Noncancerous Thyroid Nodules on Ultrasound Images and Reduces Biopsies
|
By MedImaging International staff writers Posted on 13 Jun 2022 |
|
Thyroid nodules are very common. Fine needle aspiration biopsy is used to diagnose thyroid cancer. However most biopsies produce benign (non-cancerous) results and are potentially avoidable. Now, a new study has found that artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to identify thyroid nodules seen on thyroid ultrasound that are very unlikely to be cancerous, reducing a large number of unnecessary biopsies.
In the new study, researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (Aurora, CO, USA) used machine learning, a type of AI, to analyze ultrasound images of thyroid nodules. Machine learning is the process of using mathematical models of data to help a computer learn without direct instruction. More than 30,000 images from 621 thyroid nodules were used to train the machine-learning model that classifies thyroid nodules as “cancer” or “no cancer.” The model was tested on a different set of 145 nodules collected at another healthcare system. The AI-based model achieved a sensitivity (ability to not miss cancer) of 97%, and a specificity (ability to correctly identify a cancer) of 61%.
“This study demonstrates that the ultrasound-based AI classifier of thyroid nodules achieves sensitivity comparable to that of thyroid biopsy with fine needle aspiration,” said study lead researcher Nikita Pozdeyev, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.
“We believe this is a good next step to improving patient care and avoiding unnecessary procedures,” he said. He noted that prospective clinical trials are needed before this tool can be accepted as a standard of care.
“We demonstrated that using AI analysis of ultrasound images to rule out thyroid cancer and avoid biopsy is definitely possible,” he said. “This technology could assist radiologists and endocrinologists in choosing which thyroid nodules should undergo biopsy, especially those in the community who may not review a large number of thyroid ultrasound images.”
Related Links:
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
 Guided Devices.jpg)
Latest Ultrasound News
- AI Robotic Ultrasound System Automates Echocardiography and Improves Consistency
- Whole Cross-Section Ultrasound System Enables Operator-Independent Imaging
- New Ultrasound AI Tool Supports Rapid Prenatal Assessment
- New Consensus Standardizes Ultrasound-Based Fatty Liver Assessment
- Groundbreaking Technology to Enhance Precision in Emergency and Critical Care
- Reusable Gel Pad Made from Tamarind Seed Could Transform Ultrasound Examinations
- AI Model Accurately Detects Placenta Accreta in Pregnancy Before Delivery
- Portable Ultrasound Sensor to Enable Earlier Breast Cancer Detection
- Portable Imaging Scanner to Diagnose Lymphatic Disease in Real Time
- Imaging Technique Generates Simultaneous 3D Color Images of Soft-Tissue Structure and Vasculature
- Wearable Ultrasound Imaging System to Enable Real-Time Disease Monitoring
- Ultrasound Technique Visualizes Deep Blood Vessels in 3D Without Contrast Agents
- Ultrasound Probe Images Entire Organ in 4D
- Disposable Ultrasound Patch Performs Better Than Existing Devices
- Non-Invasive Ultrasound-Based Tool Accurately Detects Infant Meningitis
- Breakthrough Deep Learning Model Enhances Handheld 3D Medical Imaging
Channels
Radiography
view channel
Simple Chest X-Ray Measure Predicts Survival After Lung Cancer Surgery
Obstructive ventilatory disorder, marked by airflow limitation that reduces breathing efficiency, increases postoperative risk in patients with lung cancer. Although surgery offers the best chance of cure,... Read more
AI Detection Tool Improves Identification of Lobular Breast Cancer
Breast cancer screening seeks early detection, yet some subtypes remain difficult to visualize on mammography, risking delayed diagnosis. On average, 1 in 20 women worldwide will develop breast cancer,... Read more
MRI
view channel
AI Approach Could Shorten Advanced Brain MRI Scans by Up to 90%
Long acquisition times for advanced brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can limit access, extend waiting lists, and disrupt clinical workflows. Reducing data requirements without sacrificing image fidelity... Read more
Cardiac MRI Measure Improves Risk Prediction in Tricuspid Regurgitation
Tricuspid regurgitation, in which blood flows back from the right ventricle into the right atrium, can lead to progressive right-sided heart failure. Clinicians need reliable ways to gauge severity and... Read more
Nuclear Medicine
view channel
MR-Guided Cardiac Mapping System Enables Radiation-Free Procedures
Cardiac electrophysiology procedures are typically guided by X-ray fluoroscopy, which limits soft-tissue visualization and exposes patients and clinical staff to ionizing radiation. Real-time mapping that... Read more
PET Tracer Enables Noninvasive Measurement of Beta Cell Mass
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. Loss of these cells destabilizes glucose control and drives complications.... Read more
New Imaging Tool Sheds Light on Tumor Fat Metabolism
Rapidly growing tumors reprogram metabolism to meet high energy demands. While many cancers preferentially consume glucose, lipid utilization by malignant cells is difficult to measure in living subjects.... Read more
Radiopharmaceutical Molecule Marker to Improve Choice of Bladder Cancer Therapies
Targeted cancer therapies only work when tumor cells express the specific molecular structures they are designed to attack. In urothelial carcinoma, a common form of bladder cancer, the cell surface protein... Read moreGeneral/Advanced Imaging
view channel
Multimodal AI Tool Combines CT and Health Records to Predict Heart Risk
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death and an underrecognized risk for people treated for breast cancer. Cardiac complications can affect survival and quality of life. Clinicians need tools... Read more
AI Tool Automates Radiotherapy Planning for Cervical and Prostate Cancer
Cervical cancer causes most of its global mortality in low- and middle-income countries, where radiotherapy capacity and specialist staff are limited. Treatment planning is labor-intensive and can delay... Read more
Imaging IT
view channel
Interactive AI Tool Supports Explainable Lung Nodule Assessment
Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality, and timely characterization of pulmonary nodules on chest computed tomography (CT) is essential for directing care. Interpreting nodule morphology demands... Read more
Breast Imaging Software Enhances Visualization and Tissue Characterization in Challenging Cases
Breast imaging can be particularly challenging in cases involving small breasts or implants, where image reconstruction and tissue characterization may be limited. Clinicians also need reproducible analysis... Read more
New Google Cloud Medical Imaging Suite Makes Imaging Healthcare Data More Accessible
Medical imaging is a critical tool used to diagnose patients, and there are billions of medical images scanned globally each year. Imaging data accounts for about 90% of all healthcare data1 and, until... Read more
Global AI in Medical Diagnostics Market to Be Driven by Demand for Image Recognition in Radiology
The global artificial intelligence (AI) in medical diagnostics market is expanding with early disease detection being one of its key applications and image recognition becoming a compelling consumer proposition... Read moreIndustry News
view channel
GE HealthCare Highlights AI-Supported Radiation Therapy Tools at ESTRO 2026
At the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) 2026 Congress in Stockholm, GE HealthCare is highlighting Intelligent Radiation Therapy (iRT), MIM Software innovations, and BK Medical surgical... Read more
