Classification of Dermoscopic Images Using CNN-SVM

Abstract

Traditional machine learning methods like GLCM and ABCD rules have long been employed for image classification tasks. However, they come with inherent limitations, primarily the need for manual feature extraction. This manual feature extraction process is time-consuming and relies on expert domain knowledge, making it challenging for non-experts to use effectively. Deep learning methods, specifically Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), have revolutionized image classification by automating the feature extraction. CNNs can learn hierarchical features directly from the raw pixel values, eliminating the need for manual feature engineering. Despite their powerful capabilities, CNNs have limitations, mainly when working with small image datasets. They may overfit the data or struggle to generalize effectively. In light of these considerations, this study adopts a hybrid approach that leverages the strengths of both deep learning and traditional machine learning. CNNs are automatic feature extractors, allowing the model to capture meaningful image patterns. These extracted features are then fed into a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier, known for its efficiency and effectiveness in handling small datasets. The results of this study are encouraging, with an accuracy of 0.94 and an AUC score of 0.94. Notably, these metrics outperform Abbas' previous research by a significant margin, underscoring the effectiveness of the hybrid CNN-SVM approach. This research reinforces that SVM classifiers are well-suited for tasks involving limited image data, yielding improved classification accuracy and highlighting the potential for broader applications in image analysis.