In the year 2020, 8600 Canadians were diagnosed with thyroid cancer. The number of ultrasound scans that happen in the country is huge, with ultrasound being performed for one in every three Canadians each year. Among these statistics, 5% of people go through thyroid ultrasound. Women are known to receive more thyroid ultrasounds than men as they often encounter lumps or nodules on the thyroid gland present in the neck. Usually, these nodules are benign but can give people a hard time if patients do not go through regular check-ups and ultrasounds.
To tackle this problem, a research team has developed a MEDO-thyroid tool. It is a first-of-its-kind innovation that starts with an ultrasound video sweep of the thyroid gland and then analyses the scan results through AI software. The team stated that the new process is absolutely free from complexities and is fast as well as objective. This novel artificial intelligence tool has the ability to revolutionize Thyroid Cancer Diagnostics Market completely as the procedure makes ultrasounds faster and more accessible for people.
The technology has been developed by MEDO, a University of Alberta spinoff company. The company stated that approval from the FDA has already been received in regards to their innovation, and they have further goals to seek additional approvals from Europe, Canada, and the world eventually.
The software examines the video taken by a sonographer and then helps in location, measuring, and characterizing all the prominent nodules. Moreover, it also selects optimal images for further analysis. Finally, the system conjures up a preliminary report, providing a score to each nodule encountered and then stating whether it is likely to be benign or malignant. The radiologists can then easily edit the report if they have a counter opinion or new findings. The whole process makes scanning of thyroids a simpler and more reliable task. It is especially beneficial for people with complex thyroid glands who require follow-up. Thus, leading to less confusion and making things easy and quick for patients as well as clinicians.
The tool is already coming in handy and is being used by specially trained nurses in two clinics situated in Westview Primary Care Network in Spruce Grove. The team believes that they will help other primary clinics with their technology in the near future. They are optimistic that the innovation will find significance in the medical field over time. Furthermore, the company is also simultaneously developing other interesting applications that would greatly contribute to the ultrasounds market, such as lung and fracture ultrasounds.