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Surgery for Multiple Myeloma
While the vast majority of my blog posts focus on chemotherapy and radiation for MM, it is important to understand that surgery for multiple myeloma can also be central to managing MM.
I experienced each of the bone disease issues listed below. A single plasmacytoma in my fifth cervical vertebra created weak bones, cord compression, muscle weakness, tingling, etc. etc.
Before there was any talk of chemotherapy, surgery to screw a titanium plate in between my C4 and C6 vertebra was needed.
Thankfully, I did not experience any of the negative side effects of surgery for multiple myeloma. I no longer even notice that I had surgery on my neck. Other than not having a full range of motion, I have no side effects whatsoever.
If you are a newly diagnosed myeloma patient considering surgery for multiple myeloma? Email me with your questions at David.PeopleBeatingCancer@gmail.com
Thank you,
David Emerson
- MM Survivor
- MM Cancer Coach
- Director PeopleBeatingCancer
The Role of Surgery in Treating Multiple Myeloma
“The American Cancer Society (ACS)Trusted Source estimates that there will be 35,780 new U.S. cases of multiple myeloma in 2024…
Healthcare professionals typically don’t suggest surgery as the first-line treatment for multiple myeloma. But surgery may be necessary if there are any complications.
According to the International Myeloma Foundation, more than 80% of people with multiple myeloma experience bone disease. This can lead to issues such as:
- thin and weak bones (osteoporosis)
- holes in bones (lytic lesions)
- fractures
- spinal cord compression causing paralysis
- severe muscle weakness
- numbness
Doctors may recommend surgery to treat some of these issues or reduce future risks. Surgery doesn’t improve your life expectancy with multiple myeloma, but it may improve your quality of life.
Surgical options include:
- Internal fixation: A surgeon stabilizes your bones with plates, screws, or rods.
- Arthroplasty: A surgeon replaces your joint with an artificial one.
- Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty: This minimally invasive procedure treats spinal compression by inflating a balloon to create more space in your spinal bone, which a surgeon then fills with cement…
Solitary plasmacytoma is a rare medical condition in which abnormal plasma cells form a tumor in one area of your bones. Without treatment, it can progress to multiple myeloma.
The risk of a solitary plasmacytoma progressing to multiple myeloma ranges from 10% to 60%Trusted Sourcewithin 3 years, depending on specific features of the tumor.
Radiation therapy is the primary treatment for solitary plasmacytoma. But people who undergo radiation with surgery tend to have better outcomes…
According to a 2023 study that involved more than 6,500 people with plasmacytoma from 2004 to 2017, the median survival time after surgery was 112 months. The median survival time for a combination of surgery and radiation therapy was 132 months.
However, doctors may delayTrusted Source radiation therapy until after surgery…
While surgery for bone disease in multiple myeloma may help improve quality of life, 2020 research suggests that people who undergo these surgeries may have a higher risk of complications and early death.
A 2023 study found that people who received spinal surgery for multiple myeloma had a higher chance of experiencing the following health complications:
- postoperative infection
- bone weakening
- pseudoarthrosis (bones that don’t heal properly)
- hardware or implant failure (mechanical issues with orthopedic hardware)
What is the longest you can live with multiple myeloma?
Survival rates for multiple myeloma vary widely and depend on several factors. According to the ACS, about 57%Trusted Source of people with multiple myeloma will live at least 5 years compared to people who don’t have the disease.
The Canadian Cancer Society notes that some people live longer than 10 years…”