An NHS hospital in west London is making strides in the fight against skin cancer by using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to assist with diagnosis. Chelsea and Westminster Hospital has introduced an AI system that can analyze images of skin lesions and moles, offering patients an all-clear without the need to see a doctor.
Once patients upload photos of their suspicious moles, the AI technology processes the images and accurately diagnoses benign cases 99% of the time. This innovation has already been used by thousands of NHS patients for urgent cancer checks, helping to reduce waiting lists and allowing consultants to focus on more serious cases.
The AI system works quickly and efficiently. Medical photographers capture images of suspected moles using an iPhone and the DERM app, developed by UK-based Skin Analytics. These images are then sent to a desktop computer for deeper analysis. After reviewing the photos, the AI tool determines the result. If the case is benign, the patient is cleared without requiring a specialist’s input—except in rare instances.
Each year, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital receives around 7,000 urgent skin cancer referrals, but only 5% of those cases turn out to be cancer. Dr. Louise Fearfield, a consultant dermatologist at the hospital, emphasized that without the AI system, the hospital would struggle to keep up with the large volume of urgent cases.
“We wouldn’t be able to manage the number of patients without the technology. It helps us avoid missing any cases, and ensures patients get timely diagnoses,” said Dr. Fearfield.
Jimmy Povey, a patient at the hospital, decided to have one of his moles checked using the AI tool after his brother was diagnosed with melanoma. Thankfully, he received the all-clear. “It was so simple. They took a picture, and just a couple of days later, I got a call saying there was nothing to worry about,” Povey said. “The worry was gone in two days.”
The AI technology has now been implemented at over 20 NHS hospitals across the UK, where it has helped detect over 14,000 cases of skin cancer. Roger Chinn, chief medical officer at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, praised the system for its role in reducing waiting times and improving patient experience. “Waiting for a diagnosis can be stressful, especially with concerns about skin lesions. This technology helps speed up the process, allowing dermatologists to focus on the most urgent cases,” Chinn said.
Dr. Lucy Thomas, another consultant dermatologist at the hospital, envisions a future where patients can use AI tools themselves. “The goal is to bring this technology closer to patients so they can benefit from it directly,” Dr. Thomas explained. “While current technology requires a special lens that the public doesn’t have access to, advances in technology may lead to apps that patients can use at home.”
As AI technology continues to develop, it holds the potential to transform the way skin cancer is diagnosed and treated, making it more efficient and accessible for patients across the UK.
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