# A hybrid framework for enhanced segmentation and classification of colorectal cancer histopathology

**Authors:** Aaseegha M. D., Venkataramana B.

PMC · DOI: 10.3389/frai.2025.1647074 · 2025-10-14

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a hybrid deep learning model that improves the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosing colorectal cancer from histopathology images.

## Contribution

A novel hybrid framework combining Swin Transformer, EfficientNet, and ResUNet-A for enhanced CRC histopathology analysis.

## Key findings

- The hybrid model achieved 93% accuracy, 92% precision, 93% recall, and 93% F1-score in CRC histopathology analysis.
- The model outperformed individual architectures in both segmentation and classification tasks.
- Expert annotations closely matched the model's outputs, confirming its reliability.

## Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally. Early detection and precise diagnosis are crucial in improving patient outcomes. Traditional histological evaluation through manual inspection of stained tissue slides is time-consuming, prone to observer variability, and susceptible to inconsistent diagnoses.

To address these challenges, we propose a hybrid deep learning system combining Swin Transformer, EfficientNet, and ResUNet-A. This model integrates self-attention, compound scaling, and residual learning to enhance feature extraction, global context modeling, and spatial categorization. The model was trained and evaluated using a histopathological dataset that included serrated adenoma, polyps, adenocarcinoma, high-grade and low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia, and normal tissues.

Our hybrid model achieved impressive results, with 93% accuracy, 92% precision, 93% recall, and 93% F1-score. It outperformed individual architectures in both segmentation and classification tasks. Expert annotations and segmentation masks closely matched, demonstrating the model’s reliability.

The proposed hybrid design proves to be a robust tool for the automated analysis of histopathological features in CRC, showing significant promise for improving diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in clinical settings.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** colorectal cancer (MONDO:0005575), CRC (MONDO:0005575)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** polyps (MESH:D011127), adenocarcinoma (MESH:D000230), serrated adenoma (MESH:D000236), CRC (MESH:D015179), intraepithelial neoplasia (MESH:D002578), cancer (MESH:D009369)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Figures

11 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12558839/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12558839