Enhancing Melanoma Classification With Graph Attention Layers and Group Method of Data Handling - Based Feature Extraction

Melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer, demands accurate and early diagnosis for effective treatment. In this study, we propose a novel approach to improve melanoma classification by integrating Graph Attention Layers (GALs) into the Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) framework. Our method leverages the power of GMDH to automatically generate and select informative features from complex melanoma-related data. Simultaneously, GALs are employed to capture intricate relationships and dependencies within the data, often overlooked by traditional classification models. We construct a graph representation where nodes represent data elements (patients or genetic markers) and edges signify relationships between them. GALs are applied to the graph, allowing the model to attend to relevant nodes and connections, enhancing its ability to discern subtle patterns indicative of melanoma. We then train a classification model on this enriched feature set, aiming for superior accuracy in melanoma diagnosis. Experimental results on a diverse melanoma dataset demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach. The model consistently outperforms traditional methods in terms of accuracy, precision, and recall. This study highlights the potential of combining GMDH-based feature extraction with GALs in melanoma classification. This approach not only advances diagnostic accuracy but also provides valuable insights into the underlying factors driving melanoma risk. As early detection remains the key to melanoma treatment success, our proposed method holds promise for improving patient outcomes.