Diagnostic Performance of Deep Learning Applications in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Detection Using Computed Tomography Imaging

Background/Aims: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent cancer that significantly contributes to mortality globally, primarily due to its late diagnosis. Early detection is crucial yet challenging. This study leverages the potential of deep learning (DL) technologies, employing the You Only Look Once (YOLO) architecture, to enhance the detection of HCC in computed tomography (CT) images, aiming to improve early diagnosis and thereby patient outcomes.

Materials and methods: We used a dataset of 1290 CT images from 122 patients, segmented according to a standard 70:20:10 split for training, validation, and testing phases. The YOLO-based DL model was trained on these images, with subsequent phases for validation and testing to assess the model’s diagnostic capabilities comprehensively.

Results: The model exhibited exceptional diagnostic accuracy, with a precision of 0.97216, recall of 0.919, and an overall accuracy of 95.35%, significantly surpassing traditional diagnostic approaches. It achieved a specificity of 95.83% and a sensitivity of 94.74%, evidencing its effectiveness in clinical settings and its potential to reduce the rate of missed diagnoses and unnecessary interventions.

Conclusion: The implementation of the YOLO architecture for detecting HCC in CT scans has shown substantial promise, indicating that DL models could soon become a standard tool in oncological diagnostics. As artificial intelligence technology continues to evolve, its integration into healthcare systems is expected to advance the accuracy and efficiency of diagnostics in oncology, enhancing early detection and treatment strategies and potentially improving patient survival rates.

Cite this article as: Şahin E, O, Tatar C, et al. Diagnostic performance of deep learning applications in hepatocellular carcinoma detection using computed tomography imaging. Turk J Gastroenterol. 2025;36(2):124-130.