Our 24/7 cancer helpline provides information and answers for people dealing with cancer. We can connect you with trained cancer information specialists who will answer questions about a cancer diagnosis and provide guidance and a compassionate ear.
Live Chat available weekdays, 7:00 am - 6:30 pm CT
Call us at 1-800-227-2345
Available any time of day or night
Our highly trained specialists are available 24/7 via phone and on weekdays can assist through online chat. We connect patients, caregivers, and family members with essential services and resources at every step of their cancer journey. Ask us how you can get involved and support the fight against cancer. Some of the topics we can assist with include:
- Referrals to patient-related programs or resources
- Donations, website, or event-related assistance
- Tobacco-related topics
- Volunteer opportunities
- Cancer Information
For medical questions, we encourage you to review our information with your doctor.
Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML)
- Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML)
- Tests for Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML)
- Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML) Subtypes, Stages, and Risk Groups
- Survival Rates for Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML)
- Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML)
- Supportive Therapy for People with Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML)
- Chemotherapy for Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML)
- Radiation Therapy for Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML)
- Surgery for Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML)
- Stem Cell Transplant for Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML)
- General Approach to Treating Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML)
Surgery for Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML)
Surgery is rarely used to treat chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) because the leukemia cells are throughout the body.
When might surgery be used for CMML?
For some people with CMML, surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy) may be an option if it is enlarged and causing problems, and if other treatments aren't helpful.
Possible side effects of surgery to remove the spleen
Like all surgeries, surgery to remove the spleen carries risks related to anesthesia, bleeding, 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 health care team. Before you have your spleen removed, you may also need to get vaccines to help prevent certain infections.
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 Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines): Myelodysplastic Syndromes. Version 2.2025. Accessed at https://www.nccn.org on January 27, 2025.
Padron E. Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia: Management and prognosis. UpToDate. 2024. Accessed at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/chronic-myelomonocytic-leukemia-management-and-prognosis on January 27, 2025.
Last Revised: March 7, 2025
American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy.
American Cancer Society Emails
Sign up to stay up-to-date with news, valuable information, and ways to get involved with the American Cancer Society.