Introduction

Below is the essay of the top winner of the 2023 CNTA Essay Contest.

Nuclear technology is a field that is growing and advancing rapidly. Since the first use of nuclear technology in medicine by Dr. Sam Seidlin in 1943, nuclear technology has become rapidly more widespread. New uses came to light very quickly in the 1950s with the introduction of the field of radiology and has since made its way into many aspects of treatment and diagnostics. Today, nuclear technology is commonly used to treat cancer and its symptoms and to non-invasively diagnose issues with bones, organs, and other inner-body functions.

The Importance of Nuclear Technology in Medicine

Dr. Sam Seidlin is credited as the first user of nuclear medicine. In 1943, he used a radioactive isotope of iodine (I-131) to treat a patientÔÇÖs advanced thyroid cancer (Mandal, Ananya, 2019), a practice still used today. Since then, nuclear technology has been used to treat cancer cells and to lessen the size of tumors (National Cancer Institute, 2019), what we often refer to today as radiation therapy. There are two main types of radiation therapy: external beam and internal.

Internal radiation therapy is administered into the body and can be taken in as a solid or a liquid. The solid form of internal radiation therapy, known as brachytherapy, can allow one to withstand higher doses of radiation because it is delivered ÔÇ£directly to the treatment areaÔÇØ (Mayo Clinic, 2022). Brachytherapy is commonly a surgical procedure in which the surgeon will place a solid, such as a seed, wire, or ribbon, directly into the affected area, and leaving it inside of the patient to combat the cancer cells. One of the main benefits for choosing the brachytherapy route is the possibility for permanent treatment, generally a practice used for prostate cancer. Brachytherapy is commonly used to treat types of cancers such as brain cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, and many others.

Additionally, internal radiation therapy can be administered as a liquid, a process known as systemic radiation therapy. Systemic therapy treatment travels throughout the body, ÔÇ£seeking out and killing cancer cellsÔÇØ (National Cancer Institute, 2019). One can take this type of treatment by mouth or through the vein via an IV line or an injection. Systemic therapy can also be used to locate cancer and other non-cancer related health problems by collecting in areas where cancer cells are located (American Cancer Society, 2019). It is important to note that with brachytherapy and systemic therapy, patients can be radioactive immediately after receiving treatment. It is often advised to remain distant from small children and pregnant women in the days following treatment, and radiation is often released though bodily excrements like sweat, blood, and urine, which should be handled with the proper instruction in the days following treatment.

Radiotherapy can also be administered externally. This is known as external beam radiation therapy, which is administered through a machine, usually a linear accelerator (National Cancer Institute, 2019). External beam radiation therapy is a very local treatment, meaning, the radiation is focused only on the target area. The machine will administer ÔÇ£high energy x-ray or electron beams to a patientÔÇÖs tumorÔÇØ (Radiological Society of North America, 2019). External beam therapy can be used to treat cancer located in the breasts, lungs, head and neck, prostate, and even the brain. Since there is no source of radiation present in the patientÔÇÖs body, the cells are only affected for a very short amount of time, meaning patients are not considered ÔÇ£radioactiveÔÇØ during or after treatment, as opposed to that of internal therapy.

Diagnosing with Nuclear Technology

There are multiple ways to treat cancer and non-cancer related health issues through radiation, but it is just as important to diagnose these issues to determine the path of treatment. Radiation can be useful in this instance as well. One of the most common types of scans using radiation is the x-ray. Almost everyone has had one at some point, and they are very common to use when evaluating bones and teeth. X-rays are also important when screening women for breast cancer, a type of imaging known as mammography (CDC, 2022). Additionally, DEXA Scans, CT scans are commonly used to help diagnose internal issues without invasion. DEXA is an acronym for ÔÇ£dual-energy X-ray absorptiometryÔÇØ (Cleveland Clinic, 2020), and is a type of medical scan that evaluates bone density. They do this by measuring the mineral content in the patientÔÇÖs bones, by passing x-rays through the bones, a useful way of diagnosing osteoporosis.

Additionally, computerized tomography, commonly known as CT scans, are used to create ÔÇ£cross sectional images of bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues inside the bodyÔÇØ (Mayo Clinic, 2022). These types of scans consist of a combination of computer technology and x-rays, but are much more detailed than the typical x-ray scan. CT scans are often administered to allow physicians to identify possible abnormalities or tumors better than a traditional x-ray can, due to the 3D image that the scan produces (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2022). These types of scans are very useful when diagnosing a variety of issues. Since the amount of radiation administered through these scans is relatively low, the patient is not harmed in any way, nor are they considered ÔÇ£radioactive.”

AI legalese decoder: Simplifying legal Language for Better Understanding

Understanding legal documents and contracts is often a complex and time-consuming process. Many individuals, especially those without a legal background, struggle to decode the legalese used in these documents. This is where AI legalese decoder can play a crucial role in simplifying legal language for better understanding.

AI legalese decoder utilizes artificial intelligence and natural language processing algorithms to analyze legal texts and translate them into plain and concise language. By removing jargon, complex syntax, and convoluted terminology, AI legalese decoder transforms legal documents into easily comprehensible content.

In the context of medical advancements in nuclear technology, AI legalese decoder can be immensely beneficial. It can simplify complex legal agreements and regulations surrounding the use of nuclear technology in medicine. This would enable healthcare professionals, patients, and policy-makers to fully understand the rights, responsibilities, and implications associated with the use of nuclear technology.

For example, AI legalese decoder can help in deciphering the legal requirements and potential risks involved in using radioactive substances for internal radiation therapy. By providing a simplified version of the legal text, it allows patients and healthcare providers to make well-informed decisions regarding treatment options.

Furthermore, AI legalese decoder can aid in the comprehension of consent forms, ensuring that patients understand the potential side effects and precautions associated with radiation therapy. This promotes transparency and enhances patient autonomy in the decision-making process.

In conclusion, the AI legalese decoder can revolutionize the legal landscape by enhancing accessibility and comprehension of legal texts. Its application in the field of nuclear technology in medicine would significantly contribute to informed decision-making and improve the overall patient experience.