Mayo Clinic researchers say an artificial intelligence system could give dermatologists better information when deciding whether a skin lesion needs a biopsy.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have found that an AI tool may help skin specialists (dermatologists) judge more accurately whether a growth or patch on the skin is cancerous. The study looked at whether the technology could provide additional information to support clinical decisions — specifically, whether a lesion should be removed and tested (biopsied) or simply watched over time.
The tool doesn’t replace the doctor’s judgement. Instead, according to the Mayo Clinic, it sits alongside the specialist’s own assessment, offering another layer of analysis when the picture isn’t clear-cut.
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK. Catching it early makes a real difference to outcomes — but deciding which lesions are worth investigating and which can be monitored safely is a daily challenge in dermatology clinics.
The research is at an early stage. The study, published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, was retrospective and involved a limited patient group, and the researchers say the tool requires further validation before wider clinical use. What the findings do suggest is that AI may have a practical role in the clinic rather than just the laboratory.
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If you’re concerned about a skin lesion or mole, contact your GP in the first instance. For urgent medical concerns, call NHS 111. In an emergency, dial 999.
Source: @MayoClinic