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).
When might surgery be used for someone with multiple myeloma?
There are a few situations where surgery might be used for someone with myeloma. For example:
- Emergency surgery for spinal cord compression: If you have spinal cord compression that is causing paralysis, severe muscle weakness, or numbness, you might need surgery to stabilize your spinal cord.
- Surgery to support weakened bones: Surgery might be done to attach metal rods or plates that support weakened bones to prevent or treat fractures.
If your cancer care team recommends surgery, ask them about the goal of the surgery and its possible side effects. The type of surgery you have, and the possible risks and side effects of that surgery, will depend largely on the reason it's being done.
More information about surgery
For more general information about surgery as a treatment for cancer, see Cancer Surgery.
To learn about some of the side effects listed here and how to manage them, see Managing Cancer-related Side Effects.
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- References
Developed by the American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team with medical review and contribution by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
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 January 14, 2025.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology. Multiple myeloma. V.1.2025. Accessed at www.nccn.org on January 14, 2025
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: February 28, 2025
American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy.
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