Surgery for Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia

Surgery is rarely used to treat chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). Sometimes, though, surgery to remove the spleen may be an option if the patient is having problems from an enlarged spleen. Like all surgery, this has risks related to anesthesia and wound infection. Also, since the spleen helps protect against infection, removing it can increase the risk of severe infections. If you are considering having your spleen removed, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

General information about surgery in the treatment of cancer can be found in Cancer Surgery.

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 journalists, editors, and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.

Last Revised: October 25, 2017

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Treating Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia