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Surgery has a very limited role in treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Because CLL cells tend to spread widely throughout the bone marrow and to many organs, surgery can't cure this type of cancer.

Surgery is rarely needed even to diagnose CLL, which can often be done with blood tests. But there are some situations where surgery might be done.

Surgery to help diagnose chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

Sometimes, minor surgery is needed to remove (biopsy) a lymph node or a tumor somewhere else in the body to help diagnose or stage CLL. To learn more, see Tests for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).

Splenectomy for people with CLL

Some people with CLL may need surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy).

In some people with CLL, the spleen becomes enlarged. This is known as splenomegaly. One of the spleen's normal functions is to remove worn-out blood cells from the bloodstream. If it gets too large, it can become overly active and remove too many blood cells, leading to low levels of red blood cells and platelets.

The spleen might also grow so large that it presses on nearby organs like the stomach, causing problems.

An enlarged spleen can often be treated with medicines (such as corticosteroids) or radiation. But some people may need surgery to remove the spleen. This isn't expected to cure the CLL, but it can help improve some symptoms. It can also improve blood cell counts, lowering the need for blood product transfusions.

Most people have no problem living without a spleen. But without a spleen, you are at a higher risk for certain bacterial infections. Doctors recommend people get certain vaccines before a splenectomy.

If your spleen has been removed, be sure to report any signs of infection to your health care team right away.