Surgery for Multiple Myeloma
Surgery is not a common treatment for multiple myeloma, although it's sometimes used to remove single plasmacytomas (plasma cell tumors).
There are a few situations where surgery might be used for someone with myeloma. For example:
- Emergency surgery might be needed to stabilize the spinal cord if someone has spinal cord compression that is causing paralysis, severe muscle weakness, or numbness.
- Surgery might be done to attach metal rods or plates to support weakened bones and prevent or treat fractures.
The type of surgery done, and the possible risks and side effects, will depend largely on the reason it's being done. If your doctor is recommending surgery, ask about the goal of the surgery and its possible side effects.
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- References
The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team
Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as editors and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.
National Cancer Institute. Plasma Cell Neoplasms (Including Multiple Myeloma) Treatment (PDQ?)–Health Professional Version. 2024. Accessed at https://www.cancer.gov/types/myeloma/hp/myeloma-treatment-pdq on August 9, 2024.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology. Multiple myeloma. V.4.2024. Accessed at www.nccn.org on August 9, 2024.
Rajkumar SV, Dispenzieri A. Chapter 101: Multiple myeloma and related disorders. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Doroshow JH, Kastan MB, Tepper JE. Abeloff’s Clinical Oncology. 6th edition. Philadelphia, PA. Elsevier: 2020.
Last Revised: August 28, 2024
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