Scientific Reports (Aug 2024)

Enhancing cervical cancer cytology screening via artificial intelligence innovation

  • Yuki Kurita,
  • Shiori Meguro,
  • Isao Kosugi,
  • Yasunori Enomoto,
  • Hideya Kawasaki,
  • Tomoaki Kano,
  • Takeji Saitoh,
  • Kazuya Shinmura,
  • Toshihide Iwashita

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-70670-6
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 1
pp. 1 – 12

Abstract

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Abstract A double-check process helps prevent errors and ensures quality control. However, it may lead to decreased personal accountability, reduced effort, and declining quality checks. Introducing an artificial intelligence (AI)-based system in such scenarios could effectively address the risk of oversights. This study introduces an innovative AI-integrated workflow for cervical cytology screening that substantially improves efficiency and reduces the burden on cytologists. The AI model prioritizes cases for review based on anomaly scores and streamlines the first screening process to approximately 10 s per case. The model enhances the identification of high-risk cases via detailed microscopic observation, high anomaly scores cases, and a targeted review of low-score cases. The workflow highlights its capability for rapid, accurate, and less labor-intensive evaluations, demonstrating the potential to transform cervical cancer screening. This study highlights the importance of AI in modern medical diagnostics, particularly in areas with a high demand for accuracy and efficiency.