Cancer Surgery

When you have cancer surgery at MultiCare Regional Cancer Center, you are in expert hands. Our team includes some of the most experienced surgeons in the South Puget Sound. We offer the latest techniques and technologies to give you the best chance to become cancer-free.

Cancer Surgery at MultiCare Regional Cancer Center: Why Choose Us?

At MultiCare, you receive cancer treatment from surgeons who completed additional training through fellowships in areas such as breast surgery, gynecologic oncology, and minimally invasive techniques. This level of education helps us deliver the best available care even for complex cancers. Meet our cancer care team.

Our commitment to research enables us to explore new, more effective approaches to cancer surgery. Your care may include treatments that are only available in select programs through clinical trials. Find out more about cancer research and clinical trials.

Get a Second Opinion

If you have questions about your diagnosis or cancer care plan, our surgeons stand ready to help. Second opinions are often covered by insurance and give you the opportunity to talk with our cancer experts about the care that’s best for you. We may be able to see you in as little as two business days. For more information or to request an appointment, please call us at 253-403-6399 or complete our appointment request form.

Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery at MultiCare

Cancer surgery at MultiCare often includes minimally invasive techniques. We start by making one or more tiny incisions. Using cameras and sophisticated surgical tools we treat cancer in sensitive areas, such as the colon, with a high degree of precision.

Surgeons at MultiCare are minimally invasive surgery pioneers. We were the first program in the South Puget Sound to perform hysterectomies with robotic technologies. Hysterectomies are a common treatment for gynecologic cancers, including cervical and ovarian cancer. Our experience from thousands of procedures helps you recover faster with less pain and lowers your risk of infection.

Minimally invasive techniques available at MultiCare include:

• Endoscopic procedures: We use a thin, flexible tube with a camera at the tip (endoscope) to access and treat cancers affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) system. These procedures help us treat esophageal and colorectal cancer with a high success rate.
   
• Laparoscopic procedures: We use multiple small incisions and sophisticated instruments that work as an extension of the surgeon’s hands. A light and special camera provide high definition images of the surgical area for a high degree of accuracy.  
   
• Robotic-assisted surgery: We use robotic “arms” and special technology for a level of precision that is not possible with the human hand. Robotic-assisted surgery allows us to safely remove cancer in delicate areas, such as a woman’s cervix. The surgeon directs every move the robot makes.

Breast Cancer Treatment and Reconstructive Surgery

Our team includes two breast surgeons with expertise in all the latest treatments for breast cancer. Our experience from performing a high volume of procedures allows us to successfully remove cancer while preserving nearby tissue. We also offer reconstructive surgery to restore a more natural appearance after treatment. We explain all of your options so you can make care decisions you feel good about. Find out more about breast cancer. 

We may implant a tiny device (SAVI SCOUT®) before surgery that allows us to accurately pinpoint the cancer. Unlike previous techniques, this device uses no radiation or wires. And we can implant it well ahead of your surgery so there’s one less thing to worry about on the day of your procedure. During surgery, SAVI Scout allows our experts to accurately locate the tumor leading to fewer complications and better results.

Surgery for Other Types of Cancer

We offer focused surgical care for:

• Brain tumors: We were the first cancer program in the South Puget Sound region using 3D imaging technology that allows us to remove tumors that have previously been considered inoperable. Learn more about brain tumors.
   
• Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer: You receive care from dedicated GI surgeons. Some of our surgeons completed additional training (fellowships) in minimally invasive techniques, including robotic surgery. Using the best available surgical technologies we often remove cancer during shorter procedures with fewer incisions.
   
• Gynecologic cancer: Our commitment to minimally invasive surgical excellence helped us earn national recognition. MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital was one of the first hospitals in the country recognized by the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists as a Center of Excellence. Find out more about gynecologic cancer. 
   
• Urologic cancers: Our team includes one of the South Puget Sound’s most experienced urologic robotic surgeons. This level of expertise helps you receive effective care for urologic cancers, which include prostate cancer and kidney cancer.

Contact Us

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