Enhancing Brain Tumor Diagnosis with L-Net: A Novel Deep Learning Approach for MRI Image Segmentation and Classification

<b>Background:</b> Brain tumors are highly complex, making their detection and classification a significant challenge in modern medical diagnostics. The accurate segmentation and classification of brain tumors from MRI images are crucial for effective treatment planning. This study aims to develop an advanced neural network architecture that addresses these challenges. <b>Methods:</b> We propose L-net, a novel architecture combining U-net for tumor boundary segmentation and a convolutional neural network (CNN) for tumor classification. These two units are coupled such a way that the CNN classifies the MRI images based on the features extracted by the U-net while segmenting the tumor, instead of relying on the original input images. The model is trained on a dataset of 3064 high-resolution MRI images, encompassing gliomas, meningiomas, and pituitary tumors, ensuring robust performance across different tumor types. <b>Results:</b> L-net achieved a classification accuracy of up to 99.6%, surpassing existing models in both segmentation and classification tasks. The model demonstrated effectiveness even with lower image resolutions, making it suitable for diverse clinical settings. <b>Conclusions:</b> The proposed L-net model provides an accurate and unified approach to brain tumor segmentation and classification. Its enhanced performance contributes to more reliable and precise diagnosis, supporting early detection and treatment in clinical applications.