Received: 21 November 2018 Revised: 8 May 2020 Accepted: 11 May 2020

DOI: 10.1002/ima.22445

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Morphological feature extraction and KNG-CNN

classification of CT images for early lung cancer detection

Sanjukta Rani Jena1 | Selvaraj Thomas George2

1
Department of Electronics and
Communication Engineering, Karunya
Institute of Technology and Sciences,
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
2
Department of Biomedical Engineering,
Karunya Institute of Technology and
Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
Correspondence
Selvaraj Thomas George, Department of
Biomedical Engineering, Karunya
Institute of Technology and Sciences,
Coimbatore 641 114, Tamil Nadu, India.
Email: thomasgeorge@karunya.edu,
thomasgeorge29@gmail.com
Abstract
Lung cancer is a dangerous disease causing death to individuals. Currently pre-
cise classification and differential diagnosis of lung cancer is essential with the
stability and accuracy of cancer identification is challenging. Classification
scheme was developed for lung cancer in CT images by Kernel based Non-
Gaussian Convolutional Neural Network (KNG-CNN). KNG-CNN comprises of
three convolutional, two fully connected and three pooling layers. Kernel based
Non-Gaussian computation is used for the diagnosis of false positive or error
encountered in the work. Initially Lung Image Database Consortium image
collection (LIDC-IDRI) dataset is used for input images and a ROI based seg-
mentation using efficient CLAHE technique is carried as preprocessing steps,
enhancing images for better feature extraction. Morphological features are
extracted after the segmentation process. Finally, KNG-CNN method is used for
effectual classification of tumour > 30mm. An accuracy of 87.3% was obtained
using this technique. This method is effectual for classifying the lung cancer
from the CT scanned image.

KEYWORDS
automatic detection, CLAHE, CT, kernel based non-Gaussian convolutional neural networks,
lung cancer, morphological, ROI

1 | INTRODUCTION and polyps) in certain region of body and gives location to

Lung cancer is one of the most life threatening disease
around the world. The death count due to lung cancer
is higher when compared to that of breast, colon and pros-
tate cancer. Prior identification of cancer caused nodules
is a significant clinical indication for diagnosing lung can-
cer as these nodules possess high probabilities to be malig-
nant nodules.1 In general, solitary pulmonary nodules are
referred to abnormalities in lung that are approximately
spherical and rough opacity with 30 mm diameter.
A significant task of computer aided detection (CAD)
systems is that it can assists/improve radiologist poten-
tially and work flow reduces error outcomes. CAD is an
approach that identifies suspicious region (masses, nodule
radiologists.2 CAD has turns to be a foremost research
field in diagnostic and medical imagining and applied to
diverse medical imaging modalities like computed tomog-
raphy (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultra-
sound imaging. In general, CAD systems typically foe
cancer diagnosis and detection (ie, polyp, lung, breast)
has three significant stages such as region of interest
(ROI) based segmentation, feature extraction (kind of fea-
ture) and classification. Feature extraction and nodule
classification belongs to reduction step.
Present CAD systems for classification have attained
high sensitivity levels and capable to enhance the radiolo-
gists' performance in nodule characterization in CT section,
where present scheme for nodule identification appear to

Int J Imaging Syst Technol. 2020;1–13. wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/ima © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC 1
2 JENA AND GEORGE
provide numerous false positives (FPs).3,4 It is owing to
detection procedures are sensitivity as certain nodules
are labeled (eg, blood vessels) unavoidably during detection
step. As radiologists investigate every objects identified, it
is extremely pleasing to eradicate FPs possibly while
maintaining true positives (TPs).
FP reduction is to remove FPs possibly to maintain high
sensitivity. It is a classification among non-nodule and nod-
ule, aiming to produce novel methods to distinguish suspi-
cious regions accurately, by reduction of FPs with machine
learning approaches.5 The purpose for performing classifi-
cation step is to learn system ability to predict unknown
output class of suspicious nodule with generalization abil-
ity. Classification plays a vital role in FPs reduction in CAD
detection and diagnosis techniques. Deep learning is used
for both classifications and feature extraction in diverse
fields6,7 like computer vision and speech. In this work,
kernel based non-Gaussian convolutional neural network
(KNG-CNN) is proposed for nodule classification for tumor
>30 mm using LIDC-IDRI database.
1.1 | Contribution of the work
1 The nodule representation using ROI segmentation
using efficient contrast limited adaptive histogram
equalization (CLAHE) technique for discrimination
among false and true nodule. Moreover, it is complex
to attain better feature representation. The anticipated
method provides finest feature ROI representation.
2 After performing ROI segmentation, here morphologi-
cal features are extracted from the segmented image.
3 Finally, KNG-CNN for eliminating FP and efficient
classification for tumor >30 mm.
4 It helps the radiologist to find the affected nodules effi-
ciently. Therefore, convolutional NN is capable of
identifying extensive range of nodule representation.
1.2 | Organization of the work
The remainder of work is illustrated as: Section 2
describes state of the art of the existing deep learning
techniques; Section 3 explains the detailed methodology
of the proposed work; Section 4 shows the experimental
outcomes of proposed work and comparison with existing
work. Section 5 concludes this investigation.
2 | R E LA T E D WOR KS
In Reference 8, Karan Sharma describes feature extraction
and Image processing from images to make precise
expectation is testing and gainful at the meantime, it
enables to characterize objects, foresee variation in images
precisely at deep learning and furthermore by utilizing
advanced techniques of CNN, it is currently conceivable
to construct AI which assists in decreasing radiologist
weight, hospitals, expert and clinical professionals. Image
processing in unique region of concentrate for training
data to anticipate appropriate outcomes by acquiring
progressive increases to prevailing schemes and further-
more by making utilization of therapeutically precise seg-
mentation strategies will be conceivable to accomplish
95% precision or more for extensive variety of patient's
dataset.
In Reference 9, Atsushi Teramoto built up a comput-
erized classification conspire for lung tumors in micro-
scopic images utilizing DCNN. Simulation demonstrated
around 70% images is grouped accurately. The outcomes
demonstrate DCNN is valuable for classification of malig-
nant growth in cytodiagnosis.
In Reference 10, QingWeng Song created three essen-
tial deep neural networks were misused and widely
assessed. The expectation in classification of malignant and
benign pulmonary nodules was analyzed in LIDC-IDRI.
The trial results recommend that the CNN chronicled the
best performance than deep neural networks (DNN) and
stacked autoencoder (SAE). The layers of the neural system
in this paper are generally small, because of the constraints
of data sets. The proposed strategy can be required to
enhance precision of the other database. The strategy can
be summed up to plan of high performance CAD frame-
works for other medical imaging tasks later on.
In Reference 11, Kingsley Kuan anticipates lung dis-
ease identification in full 3D CT-scan is challenging.
Because of flawed datasets, this methodology utilized
LUNA16 to prepare a knob finder, and locator with
KDSB17 dataset to give worldwide highlights. Kuan uti-
lize it and neighborhood features from different knob
classifier for distinguishing lung malignancy with high
precision quality by opposition, where 41 out of 1972
groups (top 3%).
In Reference 12, Hamada R. H. Man-made intelligence
Absi, introduced a strategy for lung cancer growth finding
dependent on cluster “k” nearest neighbor calculation. The
outcomes appeared in the past segment exhibits the capa-
bility of the strategy in malignant classification of 96.58%
accuracy has been proficient up until this point. Addition-
ally explores different avenues regarding more wavelet
capacities will be done to build the precision of the strat-
egy. In expansion, to additionally enhance the outcomes,
curvelet change will be used to in the framework in future
trials and contrasted and wavelets.
In Reference 13, Prajwal Rao foreseen interpretation
invariance of CNNs is misused to characterize the
JENA AND GEORGE
lung malignant growth screening thoracic CT examines
productively. By utilizing CNNs, one can renounce the
dull procedure of physically extracting features for clas-
sification which requires particular domain learning.
The archived characterization exactness demonstrates
that CanNet beats both ANN and LeNet design for the
given classification task. Advance experimentation on
different hyper parameters of CNN should be possible
with the end goal to expand the precision. This work
shows an initial move toward computerizing the group-
ing methodology, and in the long run winding up supe-
rior to prepared experts at this especially urgent and
basic task.
In Reference 14, Zirong Li depict a strategy to identify
chest radiograph mass utilizing profound learning tech-
nique, and build up a physically marked database. Con-
trasting the two systems that depended on various
engineering, Faster RCNN design can adequately recog-
nize and find chest mass, and component extraction part
utilizing RESNET indicates superior execution. Li clas-
sifies the images as infected or sound, deep learning strat-
egy demonstrates superior outcome. The creator did
knob location and characterization, the most profound
structure utilized for just five convolutions layers named
AlexNet. Finally, object identification strategy can be uti-
lized to perform target discovery assignments on Gray
scale radiographs.
In Reference 15, Ryota Shimizu and Shusuke
Yanagawa attempted to apply deep Learning to human
urine information and accomplished 90% exactness in
the assurance of lung cancer. This work demonstrated
that deep learning is likewise powerful for human essen-
tial information investigation and can do pre-diagnosis
with no unique medicinal information.
In Reference 16, Md. Badrul Alam Miah proposed
technique for binary thresholding, and includes extrac-
tion, and after that these features are utilized to prepare
NN and test it. The anticipated framework effectively
distinguishes lung malignant growth from CT images.
The anticipated framework test 150 kinds of CT lung
images and acquires outcome where generally succes-
sive rate of framework is 96.67% which meets desired
outcome.
In Reference 17, Sardar Hamidian builds CADe
framework for lung cancer identification utilizing 3D
CNN that works in: screening and segregation stages. 3D
fully CNN is utilized for processing of whole CT and cre-
ate ROI candidate. CNN consequently classifies every
applicant locale as background/nodule. This engineering
prompts 800-fold accelerate contrasted with utilizing
brute force strategy for sliding 3D CNN over volume to
acquire scores for entire CT. Pulmonary nodes show an
extensive variety of shapes and sizes.
3
3 | PROPOSED METHODOLOG Y
3.1 | Method
In this segment, the efficient CLAHE method for ROI
segmentation and KNG-CNN for classifying error rate or
FP predication are discussed in this section. In this inves-
tigation, morphological feature extraction was consid-
ered. The features selected are considered as an input for
performing the proposed deep learning technique. The
deep learning features were executed using MATLAB
environment. Abnormality of the nodules were predicted
with the KNG-CNN with the outputted morphological
feature vectors specifically, and then merged to provide
the classification output.
3.2 | Dataset
The dataset considered in this work is LIDC-IDRI dataset
which comprises of 1010 thoracic CT scans with diagno-
sis reports and size reports that acts as a resource for
medical imaging research. LIDC radiologists annotations
in cooperates free hand outlines of nodules lesser than
or equal to 3 mm diameter for every CT slice, where
the nodules are visible with subjective rating on 5 to
6 point scale of features. Annotations include single mark
(approximate centered) of nodules ≤3 mm in diameter
along with non-nodules ≥3 mm.
In the preliminary stage of extracting the ROI, geomet-
ric center is evaluated by margins of provided region mar-
ked in the database. Then, region size is described by
whether it is larger than 32 × 32. This rectangle region
segmented with similar geometry of marked region, if the
size is lesser than 32 × 32. Else, larger size (ie, 64 × 64) is
acquired as candidate ROI and then sampled down to
32 × 32 size at last. There are non-nodule regions extracted
in similar way to generate negative samples during testing
and training process.
So as to examine the efficacy of neural networks for
diverse image sizes, dataset is made of 64 × 64 sizes with
similar procedure. As an outcome, ROI image patches
are extracted from LIDC lung image comprising 40 772
and 21 720 non-nodules.
3.3 | ROI extraction
In this investigation, high resolution CT scanned images
are considered for input, noises owing to external sub-
stances are eradicated while getting scanned lung image.
Moreover, it is necessary to extract ROI from lung image
to classify nodule efficiently. ROI is a region from the
4 JENA AND GEORGE
image, and provided for some other operations such as
classification and feature extraction. ROI are defined
using binary masks by adjusting pixel values as 1 to ROI
related image process and 0 to other regions of image.
More than single ROI can be acquired from an image.
ROI are provided based on the range of intensity that
emphasis contiguous pixel. Traditional image enhance-
ment techniques such as histogram equalization are very
effectual and simple. It explicitly changes the gray level
of image according to probability distribution function of
image and enhances dynamic range of gray distribution
to improve visual effect of an image.
Based on conventional histogram equalization
algorithm, this work introduces an effectual-CLAHE
(E-CLAHE) to analyze gray level mapping of an image.
Henceforth, various definitions for gray level, threshold
value setting and lung nodule identification are initiated.
Followed by this, entropy associated to information is
cast off as target function to attain the parameter value β
in mapping algorithm. With respect to threshold settings,
the anticipated CLAHE identifies image gray level and
alters two adjacent gray levels in new histogram adap-
tively. Henceforth, an effectual improvement in visual
effect of image is attained for further processing.
3.4 | CLAHE analysis for ROI
segmentation
The obtained CT image is transformed to gray scale
image. In general, intensity values of input images are
different, thus an effectual CLAHE is utilized to equalize
image. In E-CLAHE, initially images are partitioned into
smaller tiles, based on the intensity values; the contrast is
enhanced in all tiles. This assists in projecting the fea-
tures that are hidden in an image more visible. Contrast
limited AHE (CLAHE) varies from traditional histogram
equalization in limiting the contrast. These features are
also provided to global histogram equalization, thus pro-
viding rise to contrast limited histogram equalization that
is rarely utilized in practice.
In CLAHE, contrast limiting process has to be used
for every neighborhood pixels from where transformation
function is derived. CLAHE was generated to eliminate
over all noise amplification that cannot be achieved using
adaptive histogram equalization as in Figure 1. But this
can be attained by limiting contrast enhancement of AHE.
Contrast amplification of given pixel value is attained by
transformation slope function. This is proportional to
neighborhood slopes' cumulative distribution function
(CDF) and proportional to histogram value at pixel value.
CLAHE restricts amplification by histogram clipping at
predefined value before evaluating CDF. This restricts
CDF slope and transformation function. The value at
which histograms are clipped is termed as clip limit, based
on histogram normalization and thereby on size of neigh-
borhood region. Clip point is evaluated as in Equation (1):
M
/ 
β= 1+ Smax ð1Þ
N 100
where, M, pixel count in every block; N, ranges of block;
Smax, maximum slope; α, clip factor.
When “α” is nearest to 0, clipping point (CP) is to be
M/N, therefore pixels in block will be constant. When “α”
is nearing to 100, contrast is improved in huge degree.
Therefore, CP is a primary factor to regulate improvement
in contrast. In CDF, mapping function is attained to remap
block image with gray level as trails in Equations (2)
and (3):
X
l
cdf ðlÞ = pdf ðlÞ ð2Þ
k=0
T ðlÞ = cdf ðlÞ × lmax ð3Þ
where, T(l), remapping function; l, gray level; lmax, maxi-
mum pixel value in block.
With respect to, CDF with redistributed histogram in
block, diverse remapping functions are attained. To avoid
artifacts, every pixel value is interrupted by mapping func-
tions. a, b, c and d are center pixels of blocks, where “p” is
pixel bounded by blocks arbitrarily. Remapped “p” pixel
by bilinear interpolation is attained as in Equation (4):
T ðpðiÞÞ = m:ðn:T a :pðiÞ + ð1 −nÞ:T b :pðiÞÞ
+ ð1 −mÞ:ðn:T c :pðiÞ + ð1 −nÞ:T d :pðiÞÞ ð4Þ
where, T(·), remapping function; p(i), value of pixel “i”
with coordinate (x, y).
Interpolation step eliminates artifacts. Owing to
blocks processing, E-CLAHE attains lesser computational
complexity for improvement.
3.5 | Feature extraction
After pre-processing of image for eliminating noise in the
image, features are extracted from those images to identify
and grade probable cancers.16 Feature extraction is one
among the significant steps in examining the CT images.
Features may be extracted at cell level or tissue level of
CT images for enhanced predictions. To better attain the
morphological information, this work considers area,
JENA AND GEORGE 5

F I G U R E 1 A, ROI segmented
image of lung using efficient CLAHE for
image enhancement. B, Step by step
process of lung cancer detection.
CLAHE, contrast limited adaptive
histogram equalization; ROI, region of
interest
6 JENA AND GEORGE

brightness, diameter, perimeter, elongation and so on as 4π × Area

β= ð10Þ
features to reflect nuclei irregularity in CT images. Cellular P2
feature level points on quantifying individual cells proper-
ties without measuring spatial dependency among them. 8 Solidity: Solidity is the proportion of actual cell/nucleus
In CT images, shape and morphological features are con- area to convex hull area shown in Equation (11):
sidered for extracted. Based on these characteristics, certain
significant shape and morphological based features are Area
Solidity = ð11Þ
illustrated as follows. Convex area

1 Area (A): The area can be specified by nucleus region 9 Eccentricity: Ratio of major axis length to minor
comprising total amount of pixels; it is shown in axis length is termed as eccentricity as defined in
Equation (5): Equation (12):
Xn X m
A= Bði, jÞ ð5Þ Length of major axis
i=1 j=1 Eccentricity = ð12Þ
Length of minor axis
where, A, nucleus area; B, segmented image of “i”
rows and “j” columns. 10 Compactness: Compactness is ratio of area and square
2 Brightness: The average intensity value of pixels of perimeter. It is formulated as in Equation (13):
belonging to nucleus region is considered as nucleus
brightness. Area
Compactness = ð13Þ
3 Nucleus longest diameter (NLD): Largest circle's perimeter2
diameter circumscribing nucleus region is termed as
nucleus longest diameter; it is given in Equation (6);
qffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
3.6 | Classification
NLD = ðx 1 −x 2 Þ2 + ðy1 −y2 Þ2 ð6Þ
In this investigation, Kernal based non Gaussian CNN
method is used for classification. There are two essential
where, x1, y1 and x2, y2 denotes end points on factors to be considered for classification purpose.
major axis. They are:
4 Nucleus shortest diameter (NSD): This is specified
via smallest circle's diameter circumscribing nucleus 1 Nonlinear process data is provided onto high-
region. It is represented in Equation (7): dimensional linear feature to acquire feature data,18,19
whitening feature data, while selecting feature for
qffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
classification.
NSD = ðx 2 −x 1 Þ2 + ðy2 −y1 Þ2 ð7Þ
2 Independent component analysis strategy was used over
whitened data to haul out features. After extracting the
where x1, y1 and x2, y2 denotes end points on data, FP strategy has to be reduced using Kernal based
minor axis. non-Gaussian CNN which in cooperates the offline
5 Nucleus elongation: This is signified by ratio of shortest modeling stage.
diameter to longest diameter of nucleus region, shown 1 Initially, accumulate data to work under normal
in Equation (8): conditions, partition process data into validating
data and training data.
NLD 2 Owing to training data, develop kernel based non
Nuclear elongation = ð8Þ
Perimeter Gaussian model to acquire training samples.
3 Fit PDF of every non Gaussian model as in Equa-
6 Nucleus perimeter (P): Length of perimeter of tion (14) and evaluate parameters based on training
nucleus region is given using Equation (9): samples.
pffiffiffiffi  
P = Even count + 2 ðodd countÞ unit ð9Þ Pi ðsÞ = γ i g0 s; σ 2 i,1 + ð1 −γ i Þ
 
 g0 s; σ 2 i,2 ; 1 < i < a; ð14Þ
7 Nucleus roundness (β): Ratio of nucleus area to area of
circle associated to nucleus longest diameter is termed where, g0(σ 2) denotes zero mean Gaussian pdf with
as nucleus compactness, as shown in Equation (10): σ 2; σ 2i,1 and σ 2i,2 denotes two variance.
JENA AND GEORGE
4 Compute training samples probabilities of every
kernel based variance, and determine probability
threshold for every samples.
5 Set η value as 0.5 initially.
6 Acquire weight values for training samples by
Equation (15);

η if wi, t > wi, lim
wi, t ¼ ð15Þ
1 − η if wi, t < wi, lim
where, 0 < η < 0.5 denotes prespecified value,
7 Use attained weight values to calculate statistics of
training data and determine α confidence limits by
kernel based non Gaussian model.
8 Owing to the validating data, construct KICA model
to attain validated samples.
9 Compute probabilities of validating samples.
10 Acquire weight values for samples validation.
11 With the attained weight values, calculate statistics
for data validation. Compare evaluated statistics with
confidence limits to attain related false alarm rates.
12 For every statistic, if corresponding false alarm rate
exceeds confidence range, η value is maximized or
diminished while η ranges from 0 < η < 0.5, and
go to Step (6); otherwise, modeling is finished.
From above procedure, training, validating and
processing data are normalized with variances and means
of process variables computed by training data.
3.7 | Architecture
KNG-CNN architecture utilized for classifying the type of
cancer is shown in Figure 2. It comprises of three pooling
layers (3-PL), three convolution layers (3-CL) and two fully
F I G U R E 2 Proposed KNG-CNN architecture model with three convolutional layers, three RLU layers, three MPL layers with a fully
connected layer and a softmax layer. KNG-CNN, kernel based non-Gaussian convolutional neural network [Color figure can be viewed at
wileyonlinelibrary.com]
7
connected layers. CT images are given to KNG-CNN input
layer. Here, number of filters, filter size and each layer
stride are specified in Figure 2. For instance, convolution
layer 1 utilizes 32 filters with 5 × 5 × 3 kernel, resulting in
feature map of 256 × 256 × 32 pixels; pooling layer 1 per-
forms subsampling that provides maximum value in 3 × 3
kernel for every two pixels, decreasing matrix size of fea-
ture map to 128 × 128 × 32 pixels. Here, CLAHE is used
for image interpolation. This helps in estimating unknown
pixel points from known data. With this segmentation,
smaller region of lung nodule is enlarged to carry out
further processing. Every CL is followed by a rectified
linear unit.20-23 After 3-CL and 3-PL, there are two fully
connected layers comprises multilayer perceptron. Proba-
bilities of cancer types (adenocarcinoma, squamous cell
carcinoma and small cell carcinoma) are acquired by soft-
max function.24-26 While training, dropout method is
employed (dropout rate = 50% for full connection layers)
to eradicate over-fitting. Batch size of CNN is set as 16, it
is considered as hyper-parameters to tune deep learning.
If larger size is used, it leads to faster computational speed
but causes poor generalization. It also guarantees conver-
gence by global optimization with objective function.
Smaller batch size provides faster convergence with better
results. Therefore, while performing experimentation,
batch size should be raised steadily through training to
reap better optimality.
4 | RESULTS A ND DISCUSSION
The anticipated methodology for identification and recog-
nizing of cancer detection from CT scanned images com-
prises of images enhancement using ROI segmentation,
morphological feature extraction and classification stages.
CLAHE is cast off for improving CT images, as it has
8 JENA AND GEORGE
capability to highlight ROI in images as trained and
tested through experimentation. To preserve information
from CT images during ROI segmentation process, vari-
ous parameters were examined. In CT images, it is essen-
tial to discover nuclei information to make accurate
diagnosis and detection based on features selected. From
the analysis and results, the KNG-CNN were outperforms
well in contrast to the prevailing techniques (Figure 3).
During feature extraction process, various clinically
significant morphology based features were extracted
from segmented images. At last, 2828 are sum of images
in dataset and 115 are total amount of features to be
extracted as in Figure 3.
Here 1400 data/samples were cast off for testing the
classification algorithms. The purpose of selection sam-
ples (1400) is to show that this experimentation is per-
formed in MATLAB environment with 70:30 ratio for
testing and training. Computation with all samples in
dataset leads to computational complexity and training is
performed in available tools in MATLAB. While choosing
random samples, there are some bias error in learning
assumptions, that is, higher bias may mislead feature
values and target output. Variance is considered as error
in sensitivity that shows fluctuations in training set. To
overcome this bias error, threshold computation has to be
done as in classification section. 10-fold cross validation
method was utilized to partition data during testing and
F I G U R E 3 The left images shows a sample lung nodule from the slice of a patient. The right image shows a part of our input raw
training lung dataset [Color figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
training sets. It is used to access how model outcomes are
generalized for given dataset. In 10-fold cross validation,
data is partitioned into 10 equal folds. However, 10 itera-
tions of validating and training are carried out for itera-
tion, here 9-folds are utilized for training and diverse data
fold is performed for validation. Therefore, 900 data/sam-
ples were considered for training purposes and 100 data/
samples were considered for testing purposes. The pro-
posed method was also tested by using kernel based func-
tion with 10-fold cross validation techniques. In KNG-
CNN classification model, kernel's parameters and soft
margin parameter play significant role in classification
process; best combination of features was chosen by grid
search with exponentially growing sequences of parame-
ters. Each parameter combination selected was checked
by cross validations (10-fold), and parameters with finest
cross validation accuracy were selected. The performance
metrics like sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were
computed using fundamental definitions as illustrated
below:
Accuracy: Classification accuracy is defined as num-
ber of samples classified perfectly (ie, TN and TP) and
evaluated as in Equation (16):
TP + TN
Accuracy = × 100 ð16Þ
N
where “N,” total number of sample images.
JENA AND GEORGE 9

Sensitivity: Sensitivity is defined as proportion of posi- Value ranges from 0 to 1, which signifies worst and
tive samples which are classified correctly. It is computed best classification respectively.
by Equation (17), F-measure: F-measure is harmonic mean of recall and
precision. It is distinct as in Equations (19) to (21):
TP
Sensitivity = ð17Þ
TP + FN TP
Precision = ð19Þ
TP + FP
where, sensitivity value ranges among 0 and 1, which
represents worst and best classification correspondingly. TP
Recall = ð20Þ
Specificity: It is defined as proportion measure of neg- TP + FN
ative samples that are appropriately classified. The sensi-
tivity value is computed by Equation (18), Precision × Recall
F −measure = 2 × ð21Þ
Precision + Recall

TN F-measure value ranges among 0 and 1, where 0 and 1

Specificity = ð18Þ
TN + FP refers worst and best classification respectively (Figure 4).

(A) Accuracy (B) Precision

(C) F-measure (D) Recall

F I G U R E 4 The comparison of proposed method (KNG-CNN) non-Gaussian convolutional neural network: A, Accuracy; B,
precision; C, F-measure; D, Recall of proposed KNG-CNN model [Color figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
10 JENA AND GEORGE

TABLE 1 Comparison table for accuracy rate of proposed KNG-CNN with the existing methods

Iterations 1 2 3 4 5
KNG-CNN 87.3 86.72 85.94 85.94 80.24
CNN 70.5033 72.5020 68.0946 70.2183 66.2808
ANFIS 68.1284 70.1718 72.9791 72.6339 68.2526
RBFNN 71.1261 70.0309 71.1543 58.3285 55.2894

Abbreviation: KNG-CNN, kernel based non-Gaussian convolutional neural network.

TABLE 2 Comparison table for recall of proposed KNG-CNN with existing methods

Iterations 1 2 3 4 5
KNG-CNN 93.44 95.78 95.77 96.22 97.65
CNN 92.6080 96.3981 92.4182 90.4951 94.8040
ANFIS 88.7926 87.7907 87.2125 89.4476 90.0392
RBFNN 88.3902 88.0547 84.0969 90.6069 95.5547

Abbreviation: KNG-CNN, kernel based non-Gaussian convolutional neural network.

TABLE 3 Comparison table for precision of proposed KNG-CNN with existing methods

Iterations 1 2 3 4 5
KNG-CNN 75.66 78.32 79.88 80.25 80.99
CNN 60.4165 63.0079 61.4314 60.5681 60.8367
ANFIS 56.4966 55.0309 61.7227 55.8731 62.0831
RBFNN 57.8012 51.5135 59.9361 53.7929 50.6863

Abbreviation: KNG-CNN, kernel based non-Gaussian convolutional neural network: A, Accuracy; B, precision; C, F - measure; D, Recall of
proposed KNG-CNN model.

From all above observations, it is concluded that
KNG-CNN produces better outcomes in comparison to
other methods for CT scanned images. The maximum
values of accuracy attained are 87.3%, 86.72%, 85.94%,
85.94% and 80.24%, respectively. KNG-CNN classifier is
also performing better for as discussed above. Learning
rate of CNN was varied while in testing to determine opti-
mal rate that it show not provide any premature satura-
tion in CNN. Learning rate is set as 1e − 2 and 1e − 4,
while decay is set as 1e − 6. Learning rate range has
to be reduced as it leads to over fitting. Table 1 provide
comparative analysis of proposed framework with other
standard methods such as CNN, Adaptive neuro fuzzy
inference system (ANFIS) and Radial basis function neu-
ral network (RBFNN). From Table 1, it is identified that
proposed technique is performing better in comparison to
all other methods. Based on this comparison,27 CNN is a
deep learning architecture that has been extensively used
for feature extraction and classification; however,
2D feature extraction has certain drawbacks. ANFIS is
specifically used for feature selection and classification; it
uses if-then rules for coupling input-output lung cancer
prediction, while in some cases it provides lesser optimal-
ity in cancer prediction and also risk in predicting k-
values related to feature selection. RBFF shows significant
drawback in considering the lung image resolution and
also in kernel approximation.
From all above observations, it is concluded that
KNG-CNN produces better outcomes in comparison to
other methods for CT scanned images. The maximum
values of recall attained are 93.44, 95.78, 95.77, 96.22 and
97.65, respectively. The KNG-CNN classifier is also per-
forming better for as discussed above. Table 2 provides
comparative analysis of proposed framework with other
standard methods such as CNN, ANFIS and RBFNN.
From Table 2, it is identified that anticipated technique is
performing better in comparison to all other methods.
From all above observations, it is concluded that
KNG-CNN produces better outcomes in comparison to
other methods for CT scanned images. The maximum
JENA AND GEORGE
values of precision attained are 75.66, 78.32, 79.88, 80.25
and 80.99, respectively. The KNG-CNN classifier is also
performing better for as discussed above. Table 3 provides
comparative analysis of proposed framework with other
standard methods such as CNN, ANFIS and RBFNN.
From Table 3, it is noticed that anticipated method is
performing better in comparison to all other methods
(Figures 5 and 6).
From all above observations, it is concluded that
KNG-CNN produces better outcomes in comparison to
other methods for CT scanned images. The maximum
FIGURE 5 Samples of proposed method KNG-CNN. KNG-CNN, kernel based non-Gaussian convolutional neural network
11
values of F-measure attained are 84.55, 86.23, 86.66,
87.26 and 89.25, respectively. KNG-CNN classifier is also
performing better for as discussed above. Table 4 provides
comparative analysis of proposed framework with other
standard methods such as CNN, ANFIS and RBFNN.
From Table 4, it is observed that anticipated technique is
performing better in comparison to all other methods.
From Table 5, it is noted that various deep learning
models has been used for Noduli type classification,
while the proposed model shows enhanced accuracy of
87.3% while analyzing >30 mm tumor size. While based
 12 JENA AND GEORGE

on References 28-30 various nodule types like GGO, nodules using LIDC-IRDI database. Figure 6 shows ROC
>30 mm, all types of pulmonary nodule are considered. computation of anticipated model.
As well, CNN architecture is used in other approaches
while the proposed model uses KNG-CNN. Previous
investigations consider GGO, other nodule type 5 | CONCLUSION
and attained superlative outcomes, whereas proposed
model uses nodule of >30 mm,to train and achieved This investigation introduces a novel research methodol-
results of 87.3% with regards to accuracy. Here, KNG- ogy known as KNG-CNN for effectual classification of
CNN modeled to separate malignancy from benign lung cancer nodule. At first, ROI extraction is performed
to acquire improved visual image of lung node. In order
to perform this, an enhanced (CLAHE) is performed in
ROC Curve
1 this examination. Result shows that the anticipated
method provides superior results for performing further
0.9
process such as feature extraction, classification and so
0.8 on. Subsequently, classification technique provides more
0.7 flexible way for lung nodule prediction where multiple
0.6
features (here the work considers morphological fea-
Sensitivity

tures alone) present in the environment would lead to

0.5
inaccurate prediction rate. Here, classification accuracy
0.4 is improved by introducing the proposed KNG-CNN.
0.3
This research method can ensure the optimal detection
of lung nodules accurately by effectual classification
0.2
KNG-CNN technique. The entire research method is implemented
CNN
0.1 ANFIS in MATLAB simulation environment from which it is
RBFNN proved that the proposed research technique KNG-CNN
0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 can ensure the accurate prediction of lung nodules with
1-Specificity
reduced computational overhead than the existing
F I G U R E 6 ROC curve for various methods with KNG-CNN. research method. In future, the work has been extended
KNG-CNN, kernel based non-Gaussian convolutional neural in big data platform with hybrid datasets for perfor-
network; ROC, receiver operating characteristic [Color figure can mance enhancement by satisfying all the performance
be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com] metrics.

TABLE 4 Comparison table for F-measure of the proposed KNG-CNN with existing methods

Iterations 1 2 3 4 5
KNG-CNN 84.55 86.23 86.66 87.26 89.25
CNN 74.8658 75.8775 76.0299 71.7292 70.4756
ANFIS 69.9939 69.1074 75.1764 66.5339 72.5050
RBFNN 64.5835 69.0184 73.2799 63.7913 65.3276

Abbreviation: KNG-CNN, kernel based non-Gaussian convolutional neural network.

Author Malignant Benign Accuracy Noduli Type Architecture

TABLE 5 Deep learning
algorithms applied to LIDC-IDRI
Han et al28 538 622 82.5 GGO CNN
29
Zhao et al 375 398 82.2 All types CNN
30
Song et al 2311 2265 84.2 All types CNN
Proposed model 648 1324 87.3 >30 mm KNG-CNN

Abbreviation: KNG-CNN, kernel based non-Gaussian convolutional neural network.

JENA AND GEORGE
ORCID
Selvaraj Thomas George https://orcid.org/0000-0003-
0304-495X
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How to cite this article: Jena SR, George ST.
Morphological feature extraction and KNG-CNN
classification of CT images for early lung cancer
detection. Int J Imaging Syst Technol. 2020;1–13.
https://doi.org/10.1002/ima.22445