Gynecologic Oncology

MultiCare is proud to offer expertise in gynecologic oncology. We treat cancers that affect a woman’s reproductive system, such as ovarian, endometrial and cervical cancers. 

What is a Gynecologic Oncologist?

A gynecologic oncologist is a doctor with specialized training in the prevention, diagnosis and treating cancers unique to women's reproductive organs. 

After completing medical school, these doctors complete training in obstetrics and gynecology, learning all aspects of women's health. They then go on to complete an additional three to four years focused on cancer detection, honing innovative surgical techniques and developing personalized therapy for patients using treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and radiation. Gynecologic oncologists also treat women with complex noncancerous (benign) gynecologic problems, including fibroids and endometriosis.  

Our gynecologic oncologists are experienced and they are committed to providing you with comprehensive, compassionate care.

Meet our gynecologic oncologists:

• Wafic A. Massry, MD, FACOG
• Christopher Breed, MD

Gynecologic Oncology at MultiCare: Why Choose Us?

Through every step of your cancer care journey, our gynecologic oncologists provide you with the care you need and the expertise you deserve.   

Highlights of our program include: 

• Innovative treatments: The first South Puget Sound center to use robotic-assisted technology in cancer surgery, including hysterectomies, which allows for more accurate and precise surgery, while preserving more healthy tissue. Our surgeons continue to offer new and innovative surgical approaches such as sentinel lymph node technology and single site surgery.
   
• Coordinated care: Our treatment teams also include medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, specialty trained radiologists and pathologists who meet regularly to plan every step of your care. These multidisciplinary meetings, called tumor boards, ensure that you are provided the most up-to-date, personalized care possible. 
   
• Prevention: Some women face a higher risk for gynecologic cancers due to hereditary cancer syndromes such as BRCA or Lynch Syndrome. We will make personalized recommendations, which may include cancer screenings, lifestyle/dietary modifications, and hormone modulation, all aimed to lower your risk. 
   
• Support: Your care team includes nurse navigators and advanced practice providers, who specialize in caring for women with gynecologic cancers and serve as guides through your treatment. It's important to us to explain how your treatments work, answer all of your questions and help you with informed decision-making, while also connecting you with additional cancer support services. 

Gynecologic Conditions We Treat 

Gynecologic cancers:

• Cervical cancer
• Gestational Trophoblasitc Disease
• Ovarian cancer
• Uterine (endometrial) cancer
• Vaginal cancer
• Vulvar cancer

 Hereditary cancer syndromes:

• Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (BRCA)
• Lynch syndrome

Complex, noncancerous (benign) gynecologic diseases:

• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• Complex pelvic surgeries

Surgical Treatments for Gynecologic Cancers

Our gynecologic oncologists use the latest techniques to treat your cancer, so you get the advanced care you need close to home. Patients are evaluated for minimally invasive procedures where we perform surgery through small incisions. A minimally invasive surgery often means less pain after surgery and a quicker return to everyday activities. 

Nonsurgical Treatments for Gynecologic Cancer

Your care may include additional gynecologic oncology treatments such as: 

Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy or Targeted Therapy

There are a variety of drugs used to treat gynecologic cancers. These drugs aim to target rapidly dividing cancer cells. Our gynecologic oncologists work together with MultiCare’s medical oncologists to provide the best treatment possible for your cancer. Find out more about chemotherapy. 

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses powerful beams of energy to destroy cancer cells. Our gynecologic oncologists work alongside MultiCare’s radiation oncologist to determine the treatments that are best for you. Find out more about radiation therapy. 

Other treatments and services

Additional services you may need during and after treatment include:

• Palliative care: We help you get relief from the syptoms of cancer, as well as the side effects and complications of treatments. Symptoms we treat can include nausea, constipation and pain. Read more about palliative care services. 
   
• Survivorship services: Now that you are cancer-free, we develop a personalized plan to help you continue your recovery. We will recommend a strategy to help monitor for signs that your cancer has returned. Find out more about our survivorship clinic. 

Learn More About Gynecologic Cancer   

Additional information about gynecologic cancer and treatments is available through organizations such as:

• Society of Gynecologic Oncology
• National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
• Foundation for Women's Cancer

Contact Us

For more information or to request an appointment, please call us at 253-403-6399 or complete our appointment request form.