Is the Ensemble Machine Learning Model a Reliable Method for Detecting Neoplastic Infiltration of Thyroid Cartilage...

Background and Objectives: We aimed to apply the ensemble machine learning model to diagnose thyroid cartilage invasion detected in computer tomography (CT) images in laryngeal cancers and evaluate the diagnostic performance of the model. Materials and Methods: A total of 313 patients were divided into two groups: the cartilage invasion group and the no cartilage invasion group. At least four CT slices were randomly selected for each patient, resulting in a total of 1251 images used in the study. A total of 619 axial CT images from the no cartilage invasion group and 632 axial CT images from the cartilage invasion group were used in the study. We reviewed the CT images and histopathological diagnoses in all cases to determine the invasion positive- or negative-status as a ground truth. The ensemble model, comprising ResNet50 and MobileNet deep learning architectures, was applied to CT images. Results: The following were obtained by the ensemble model with the test dataset: area under the curve (AUC) 0.99, and accuracy 96.54%. This model demonstrates a very high level of performance in detecting thyroid cartilage invasion. Conclusions: The ensemble machine learning model is an effective method for detecting neoplastic infiltration of the thyroid cartilage. Moreover, it may be a valuable diagnostic tool for clinicians in assessing disease prognosis and determining appropriate treatment strategies in laryngeal cancers. In conclusion, this model could be integrated into future clinical practice in laryngology and head and neck surgery for the detection of cartilage neoplastic infiltration.