Predict IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma) in Breast

Cancer by using Histology Images

Iqra Mohammad Hanif
Department of Biomedical
Engineering
Salim Habib University
Karachi, Pakistan
iqra52671@gmail.com
Savaira Noman Hashmi
Department of Biomedical
Engineering
Salim Habib University
Karachi, Pakistan
savairanoman33@gmail.com
Amna Feroze Hadiawala
Department of Biomedical
Engineering
Salim Habib University
Karachi, Pakistan
amnaferoze59@gmail.com
Mohammad Uzair Rauf
Department of Biomedical
Engineering
Salim Habib University
Karachi, Pakistan
muhammaduzairrauf@gmail.com

Abstract— The last ten years have seen a change in healthcare
practices thanks to the rise in popularity of deep learning, namely
Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), for the analysis of
medical pictures. This work focuses on the critical problem of
using unlabelled histology photos to diagnose Invasive Ductal
Carcinoma (IDC), the most common subtype of breast cancer. It
is difficult to discern cancerous cells (labelled "1") from non-
cancerous ones in this dataset, which consists of 281996 50x50
pixel RGB patches from 162 breast tissue samples. While
pathologist evaluations and biopsies are part of traditional
procedures, our strategy makes use of CNN models. Turning our
attention to IDC prediction in images from breast cancer
histology, our algorithm produced an astounding 80% overall
accuracy. The model demonstrated a strong ability to differentiate
between several cell classifications, including invasive ductal
carcinoma, as demonstrated by the precision, recall, and F1-score
metrics. To sum up, our project represents a major step forward
in the use of AI to medical imaging modalities. Successfully
improving image quality, segmenting data precisely, and
classifying images accurately hold the potential to transform
diagnostic procedures and improve the efficiency of healthcare
delivery. Advanced AI methods combined with medical imaging
show promise for improving patient outcomes and increasing the
effectiveness of diagnosis.
Keywords—Breast cancer, Classification, IDC, CNN, activation,
classifier, prediction
I. INTRODUCTION
The discovery of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) in
breast cancer has been a subject of interest in the medical field
for a long time. Anatomists and pathologists have played a
significant role in uncovering the knowledge related to IDC
through the ages. The recognition of IDC can be traced back to
the 17th century when anatomists such as Marcello Malpighi
and Giovanni Battista Morgagni made significant contributions
to the field of histopathology. Although they were instrumental
in understanding tissue structure, it was the advancements of the
19th century that brought breast cancer into sharper focus [3].
Rudolf Virchow, often looked upon as the father of modern
pathology, played an essential role in unscrambling the
complications of cancer. His infinitesimal surveys into irregular
cellular propagation set the stage for distinguishing breast
cancer subtypes. Though, the distinct classification of IDC
obligatory progressions in expertise and sophisticated
histopathological techniques [5].
As the 20th century extended, radiology appeared as a
metamorphic force in cancer diagnosis. The beginning of
mammography in the 1960s provided healthcare officials with
a new lens to distinguish irregularities within breast tissue. This
technical leap manifested a pattern shift in the documentation of
breast cancer subtypes, with IDC captivating its place as a prime
and diverse entity. The complicated ballet between anatomy,
pathology, and radiology helped shape our understanding of
IDC, boosting breast cancer research into the diminutive age
[6].
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC), establishing a considerable
majority of breast cancer cases, summonses us to get attentive
to the cellular web where its backgrounds lie. IDC's cellular
expedition is one noticeable by unrestrained propagation,
interlacing a drapery of irregularities within the mammary
ducts. To understand IDC, one must circumnavigate over the
minutiae of its histopathological topographies, molecular
subsidiary, clinical appearances, and the developing landscape
of diagnosis and treatment [3].
At the cellular level, IDC's designation is a signifier of its hostile
growth in the interior of the breast ducts. Histopathologically,
its manifestation is categorized by intermittently shaped ducts,
permeative borders, and the permeation of irregular cells into
the immediate stromal tissue.
However, IDC's complication extends out of mere
geomorphology [7].
Molecular subsidiarizing has arisen as a serious aspect of IDC
classification, inaugurating unique hereditary appearances that
guide behavioral decisions. Estrogen receptor-positive (ER+),
progesterone receptor-positive (PR+), and human epidermal
growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) subsidiaries offer
clinicians critical statistics for besieged therapies. The canvas of
IDC is additionally colored by triple-negative cases, offering a
distinct encounter in the nonappearance of these receptors [4].
Endurance rates and prediction become entangled with the
appropriate analysis of IDC. The initial discovery significantly
influences consequences, emphasizing the pivotal role of
broadcasting programs. Accessory therapies, as well as
hormone therapy and beleaguered agents, subsidize enhanced
survival rates, in ER+ and HER2+ subtypes [5].
Breast cancer is a significant health concern that affects millions
of women worldwide. Early detection of breast cancer can save
lives, and mammography plays a vital role in this regard.
Mammography is a diagnostic imaging tool that uses low-dose
X-rays to produce images of the breast. It is an essential tool for
detecting breast cancer at an early stage, particularly Invasive
Ductal Carcinoma (IDC), which is the most common type of
breast cancer. The use of mammography has helped in reducing
the mortality rate of breast cancer and is at the center of early
diagnosis strategies for this disease [1].
The importance of early detection in breast cancer cannot be
overstated, as it brings a multitude of significant benefits. One
of the most significant advantages of timely identification of
IDC is that it often results in smaller tumor sizes and decreased
risk of lymph node involvement. This not only increases the
chances of successful treatment but also allows for less harsh
treatment methods, which can have a substantial impact on
patients' physical and emotional well-being. By catching the
disease early, patients may be spared the physical and
psychological toll of more invasive therapies, such as surgery
or chemotherapy [5].
Timely identification of breast cancer is crucial since it enables
doctors to utilize minimally invasive surgeries such as
lumpectomy, which conserves breast tissue and yields better
cosmetic results. It also has a significant psychological impact
on patients, empowering them with knowledge and allowing
them to participate in their treatment decisions actively [3].
Mammogram machines are a blend of medical science and
engineering. They use low-dose X-rays to capture detailed
images of breast tissue, making it easier for clinicians to spot
abnormalities like microcalcifications and masses, which can be
early warning signs of ailments such as IDC. The shift from
conventional film-based systems to digital mammography has
enhanced image quality, laying the groundwork for computer-
aided detection (CAD) algorithms to supplement radiologists'
skills [4].
In recent years, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in breast
cancer detection has yielded encouraging outcomes. AI
techniques, such as machine learning and deep learning, have
significantly enhanced the accuracy, efficiency, and objectivity
of breast cancer detection [1][5].
Initial endeavors to implement AI in breast cancer detection
centered around rule-based systems, which sought to identify
possible abnormalities in mammographic images by extracting
relevant characteristics. However, the inadequacies of these
handcrafted features became evident as they struggled to adjust
to the multifaceted and intricate presentation of breast
pathologies. The advancement of deep learning, particularly
through Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), has brought
about a revolutionary change. These networks draw inspiration
from the human visual system and have displayed unparalleled
abilities in learning hierarchical representations straight from
image data. In the realm of mammography, CNNs have
exhibited exceptional performance in image classification tasks,
leading to a breakthrough in the identification of suspicious
lesions that may indicate Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
[2][4].
The use of AI in predicting IDC requires the creation of models
trained on vast datasets of annotated histological images. These
models aim to differentiate between normal breast tissue and
cancerous lesions with high sensitivity and specificity.
However, there are still challenges in this field that call for
innovative solutions.
II. METHODOLOGY
A. Database
The Kaggle dataset "Breast Cancer Histology Images" is the
source of the painstakingly created dataset used to predict
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) in breast cancer histology
photos. This dataset, which consists of 277,524 50x50 pixel
RGB digital image patches extracted from 162 H&E-stained
breast histopathology samples, is systematically organized into
classes that differentiate between cells that are indicative of IDC
and normal cells. The dataset undergoes extensive preparation,
including scaling, loading, standardizing image sizes to
256x256 pixels, and Contrast-Limited Adaptive Histogram
Equalization (CLAHE) for feature augmentation. It is then
smoothly integrated into Google Drive for improved
accessibility. Normalizing pixel values between 0 and 1
guarantees a uniform and consistent representation. For the best
model performance and generalization, the dataset ensures
balanced class representation by a deliberate division into
training, validation, and test sets. Beyond the binary normal and
IDC classification, various subtleties are included in the
categorization process, such as early-stage IDC (20%),
advanced-stage IDC (10%), and other subtypes (20%). This
sophisticated method adds richness to the information,
reflecting the variety of ways that breast cancer might present
itself. Our all-inclusive approach includes model training,
assessment, and performance analysis, which is represented by
a confusion matrix, in conjunction with a customized
Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) intended for IDC
prediction. The Kaggle dataset provides a significant quantity of
images and captures the subtle aspects of breast cancer, which
paves the way for the creation of a strong predictive model.
Figure1: Dataset distribution
B. Image Preprocessing
In the process of predicting Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
(IDC) in breast cancer histology images, the image
preprocessing phase plays a critical role in ensuring the
quality of data and feature extraction. The methodology,
which is based on the Kaggle dataset "Breast Cancer
Histology Images," involves a meticulous series of
processing steps. Initially, during preprocessing, the raw
images—50x50 pixel RGB digital patches taken from 162
H&E-stained breast histopathology samples—are resized.
One crucial step that helps ensure consistency and
uniformity in later studies is standardizing the photos to a
resolution of 256x256 pixels. In addition to streamlining the
data for quicker processing, this scaling helps to preserve the
accuracy of the information contained in the pictures. In the
preprocessing stage, Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram
Equalization (CLAHE) is used as an enhancement method.
By ensuring that certain aspects in the images are
emphasized appropriately, this technique gives the model
enriched information that improves its ability to distinguish
between cells that are normal and those that are suggestive
of IDC. Improved feature visibility is facilitated by CLAHE,
especially in regions where minute variations may be
necessary for precise classification. Normalization of pixel
values is an additional essential step in preprocessing.
Maintaining a pixel value scale of 0 to 1 improves data
representation uniformity and consistency. In the end, this
normalization adds to the overall robustness of the
prediction.
The process of bringing image pixel values into a uniform
range is known as normalization. The 'resized-images'
array's original pixel values are converted to a scale between
0 and 1 in this line of code. The maximum pixel value in the
original image format, 255.0, is divided by each pixel value
to arrive at this result. Normalization helps machine learning
models learn and generalize from the data by ensuring that
all pixel values fall within a regular range. Additionally, it
helps maintain a balanced influence on the model during
training by preventing some characteristics or pixels from
predominating over others. After normalization, the code
shows the first five pictures with the labels that go with them.
Figure2: Normalization
C. Data Augmentation
We prepare a dataset for machine learning, specifically with
regard to image categorization. First, the train_test_split
function from scikit-learn is used to divide the data into three
subsets: training, validation, and test sets. The dataset is
divided into predetermined chunks by this function, with 70%
going towards training, 20% going towards validation, and
10% going towards testing. The split is guaranteed to be
reproducible by the random state argument. The final subsets
are then shown, displaying each set's dimensions, including
the picture and label shapes. The training images, for
example, are displayed as a three-dimensional array with
2380 samples, each with 256x256 pixel dimensions and three
RGB color channels.
After the data split, the script uses TensorFlow's Keres tool to
do one-hot encoding for the categorical labels. This procedure,
which converts single-label representations into binary vectors,
is essential for category classification applications. The training,
validation, and test label sets are passed through the two
categorical functions, which turns them into one-hot encoded
vectors. The binary character of the classification task is
reflected in the setting of the num_classes option to 2. The
effective conversion is then demonstrated by printing the onehot
encoded labels' final shapes. As an example, the training labels
are now displayed as a two-dimensional array of 2380 samples,
each of which represents one of the two classes in the
classification issue and has a one-hot encoded vector of length
2. This comprehensive preprocessing sets the stage for training
and evaluating machine learning models on the prepared
dataset.
D. Convolutional Neural Network
The deep learning model offered is organized as a
Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), a potent architecture
that is frequently applied to problems involving picture
classification. Using the Keras API and the TensorFlow
framework, the model is built. With three color channels (red,
green, and blue), each 256x256 pixel image may be processed
by it.
Starting with a convolutional layer, the architecture uses 32
filters, each of which has a Rectified Linear Unit (ReLU)
activation, ‘same' padding, and a 3x3 kernel size. Following the
convolutional operation, batch normalization is used to improve
the stability and effectiveness of the training procedure. Then,
to reduce computational complexity, a maxpooling layer is
added to down sample the spatial dimensions of the feature
maps.
Convolutional and max-pooling procedures are repeated across
layers with 64, 128 and 130 filters, varying in the number of
filters. Batch normalization and max-pooling come after each
convolutional layer, helping to extract hierarchical features
from the input images. The network can catch intricate patterns
and representations thanks to the progressive rise in filter count.
Two fully connected layers with 130 units each with ReLU
activation are added after the convolutional layers. High-level
abstractions and linkages in the learned characteristics are
captured by these deep layers. Additionally, batch
normalization is applied to these thick layers, improving the
network's stability.
A 50% dropout rate dropout layer is included before the final
dense layer to mitigate the risk of overfitting. This layer
improves generalization by preventing the network from
becoming overly dependent on any one pathway by randomly
dropping half of the connections during training.
The last layer uses softmax activation and is a dense layer with
two units. For binary classification problems, like the one
shown in this model, this arrangement works well. The model
is able to allocate a likelihood to each class since the softmax
activation generates probability distributions over the two
classes.
A flattening layer, which converts the output from the layers
above into a one-dimensional array, summarizes the entire
architecture. A total of 280,768 trainable parameters are
disclosed in the model summary, highlighting the network's
intricacy and ability to pick up complex patterns and
representations from the input images during training. The
model's stability and effectiveness are enhanced by the
nontrainable parameters, which include those added by batch
normalization layers. =============================================
Total params: 281996 (1.08 MB)
Table1: CNN Model Architecture Trainable params: 280768 (1.07 MB)
_________________________________________________________________ Non-trainable params: 1228 (4.80 KB)
Layer (type) Output Shape Param # _________________________________________________________________
============================================
conv2d (Conv2D) (None, 256, 256, 32) 896 III. RESULTS
In addition to the test loss and accuracy metrics, a classification
batch_normalization (None, 256, 256, 32) 128 report with the precision, recall, and F1-score for every class is
(Batch Normalization) also provided. Now let's examine how these findings should be
interpreted: Metrics for Testing:
max_pooling2d (None, 128, 128, 32) 0 Test Failure: On the test set, the computed loss is 0.703. Lower
(MaxPooling2 D) values indicate higher performance, and this statistic shows how
effectively the model is working.
conv2d_1 (Conv2D) (None, 128, 128, 64) 18496 Test Accuracy: The test accuracy of 80% indicates that, in 80%
of the test samples, the model correctly predicted the class
batch_normalization_1 (None, 128, 128, 64) 256 labels. Although accuracy is a fundamental statistic, it may not
(BatchNormalization) give a full picture, particularly if there is an imbalance between
the classes.
max_pooling2d_1 (None, 63, 63, 64) 0
(MaxPoolin g2D)

conv2d_2 (Conv2D) (None, 63, 63, 128) 73856

batch_normalization_2 (None, 63, 63, 128) 512

(Batch Normalization)

max_pooling2d_2 (None, 31, 31, 128) 0

(MaxPooling2D)

conv2d_3 (Conv2D) (None, 31, 31, 130) 149890

batch_normalization_3 (None, 31, 31, 130) 520

(BatchNormalization)

max_pooling2d_3 (None, 15, 15, 130) 0

(MaxPooling2D) Figure3: Model Loss

dense (Dense) (None, 15, 15, 130) 17030 A more thorough analysis of the model's performance for each
class (Class 0 and Class 1) is given in the classification report:
batch_normalization_4 (None, 15, 15, 130) 520 Accuracy: The ratio of actual positive predictions to all
(Batch Normalization) expected positives is known as precision. Class 0 precision is
81%, meaning that 81% of the samples that were predicted to
max_pooling2d_4 (None, 7, 7, 130) 0 be Class 0 are accurate. The precision for Class 1 is 79%,
(MaxPooling2D) indicating that 79% of the Class 1 samples that are predicted are
correct.
dense_1 (Dense) (None, 7, 7, 130) 17030 (Sensitivity) Recall: The ratio of all actual positives to all
batch_normalization_5 (None, 7, 7, 130) 520 genuine positive predictions is known as recall. In this
(BatchNormalization) instance, the recall for both Class 0 and Class 1 is 80%,
meaning that 80% of the real Class 0 and Class 1 samples were
max_pooling2d_5 (None, 3, 3, 130) 0 correctly identified by the model.
(MaxPooling2D) F1-Score: The harmonic mean of recall and precision is the
F1score. It offers a harmony between recall and precision. The
flatten (Flatten) (None, 1170) 0 F1score for both classes is 80%.
Support: In the given dataset, support is the total number of
dropout (Dropout) (None, 1170) 0
real instances of the class. There are 166 samples for Class 1
and 174 samples for Class 0.
dense_2 (Dense) (None, 2) 2342
Table2: Classification Report
The model appears to be operating fairly well based on the
accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score values, which are all
around 80%. But depending on the nature of the issue, it's
crucial to take into account the application's particular
requirements as well as the possible consequences of false
positives and false negatives. Deeper insights into the model's
advantages and disadvantages can be obtained through
additional investigation, such as investigating the confusion
matrix.
Figure4: Confusion Matrix
IV. CONCLUSION
To sum up, the project's main goal was to apply a
machine learning model to identify Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
(IDC) in images of breast cancer histology. 277,524 50x50 pixel
RGB digital picture patches that were taken from 162 H&E-
stained breast histopathology samples made up the dataset. The
project involved several phases, including data collection,
preprocessing, model creation, training, and evaluation, all
carried out in a methodical manner.
Normalizing pixel values and classifying photos into training,
validation, and test sets were two aspects of data preparation.
Categorical labels were converted into a format that worked for
model training through the use of one-hot encoding. The
machine learning model was constructed as a convolutional
neural network (CNN), with an output layer for binary
classification at the end of a complex architecture that included
convolutional layers, batch normalization, max-pooling, dense
layers, and dropout.
With a split dataset used for training and assessment, the model
achieved an 80% test accuracy. The model's precision, recall,
and F1-score for both IDC and non-IDC classes were revealed
in the classification report. The results showed a balanced
performance, with a focus on how crucial memory and precision
are in situations involving the identification of cancer. Although
the project's accuracy is commendable, more research into
possible improvements and optimization techniques should be
taken into account. Additional thorough validation on a variety
of datasets may improve the model's robustness and real-world
applicability. In summary, our effort makes a substantial
contribution to the field of medical image analysis and
diagnostic support systems by utilizing machine learning to
automatically identify IDC in breast cancer histology images.
V. DISCUSSION
The project's significance in recognizing Invasive Ductal
Carcinoma (IDC) in breast cancer histology pictures is
highlighted by the explanation of its various important
components. The methodological strategy, the obtained results,
their consequences, and possible directions for further research
are all covered in detail in the discussion.
Methodological Approach: Using a Convolutional Neural
Network (CNN), the selected methodology was able to handle
the complexities of histopathology image analysis with ease.
The organization of the dataset and normalization were two
important preprocessing stages that helped get the data ready for
model training. The choice to utilize a CNN—a machine
learning model renowned for its effectiveness in picture
classification tasks—was supported by the photos' intricate and
realistic depictions of breast cancer histology.
Model Performance and Outcomes: The trained model showed
an 80% test accuracy, which is a significant accomplishment for
automated IDC identification. The model's performance was
explained in detail in the classification report, where the
precision, recall, and F1-score metrics showed a good balance
between sensitivity and specificity. The findings imply that the
model has successfully acquired the ability to discriminate
between IDC and non-IDC cases.
Clinical Implications: There are important clinical ramifications
for automated IDC detection in photos from breast cancer
histology. The capacity of the model to detect malignant cells
may help pathologists with their diagnostic work by providing
an additional resource for quicker and more precise evaluations.
The precision and recall scores, which are balanced, show a
dependable performance in reducing false positives and false
negatives—two important factors in the diagnosis of cancer.
Limitations and Future Directions: It is important to recognize
the project's limitations despite its success. The model's
performance may differ amongst datasets, hence more extensive
and varied dataset validation is necessary. Furthermore, there is
opportunity for investigation into multiclass classification for
various cancer subtypes because the current implementation
concentrates on binary classification (IDC vs. non-IDC).
Ethical Issues: There are ethical issues with the use of machine
learning models in healthcare. It is crucial to guarantee the
model's fairness and interpretability, deal with any potential
biases, and protect patient privacy. Future studies should
actively incorporate ethical principles and guidelines into the
creation and application of these diagnostic instruments.
This discussion focuses on the project's effective use of machine
learning to identify IDC in histological photos of breast cancer.
The obtained outcomes suggest that the model has the potential
to be an effective tool in a therapeutic context. Research and [6] Kanavati F, Ichihara S, Tsuneki M. A deep learning model for breast
ductal carcinoma in situ classification in whole slide images. Virchows Archiv.
cooperation are essential as the field of medical image analysis 2022 May;480(5):1009-22.
develops because they help improve models, solve issues with
constraints, and enhance patient outcomes. [7] Kumar D, Batra U. Classification of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
from histopathology breast cancer images using Stacked Generalized Ensemble.
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