Journal of Pathology Informatics (Jan 2022)

Artificial intelligence in head and neck cancer diagnosis

  • Sara Bassani,
  • Nicola Santonicco,
  • Albino Eccher,
  • Aldo Scarpa,
  • Matteo Vianini,
  • Matteo Brunelli,
  • Nicola Bisi,
  • Riccardo Nocini,
  • Luca Sacchetto,
  • Enrico Munari,
  • Liron Pantanowitz,
  • Ilaria Girolami,
  • Gabriele Molteni

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13
p. 100153

Abstract

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Introduction: Artificial intelligence (AI) is currently being used to augment histopathological diagnostics in pathology. This systematic review aims to evaluate the evolution of these AI-based diagnostic techniques for diagnosing head and neck neoplasms. Materials and methods: Articles regarding the use of AI for head and neck pathology published from 1982 until March 2022 were evaluated based on a search strategy determined by a multidisciplinary team of pathologists and otolaryngologists. Data from eligible articles were summarized according to author, year of publication, country, study population, tumor details, study results, and limitations. Results: Thirteen articles were included according to inclusion criteria. The selected studies were published between 2012 and March 1, 2022. Most of these studies concern the diagnosis of oral cancer; in particular, 6 are related to the oral cavity, 2 to the larynx, 1 to the salivary glands, and 4 to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma not otherwise specified (NOS). As for the type of diagnostics considered, 12 concerned histopathology and 1 cytology. Discussion: Starting from the pathological examination, artificial intelligence tools are an excellent solution for implementing diagnosis capability. Nevertheless, today the unavailability of large training datasets is a main issue that needs to be overcome to realize the true potential.

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