health sectionhealth sectionA neoplasm is a non-normal tissue mass that can lead to a lump or tumor. Not all neoplasms become malignant or cancerous, though some do. Antineoplastics are drugs that are taken to prevent malignant neoplasms, tumors and lumps from growing. Antineoplastics recognize cells that divide quickly as cancer cells and kill them. However, there are some cells that naturally divide quickly and they are attacked as well, which leads to negative side effects.
The National Cancer Institute states, "Approximately 8 million Americans alive today have a history of cancer," with about 1,228,600 new cases every year. Although there is no definitive cure yet for this insidious disease, there are treatments. These include surgery, radiation and antineoplastic therapy--or chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses a series of chemicals and medicines to stop cellular growth. While it is a powerful weapon in the battle against cancer, it also comes with several harsh side effects.
