Preventative Mastectomy

I had breast cancer 10 years ago, at 37 years old.  I had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation.  About 45 days ago, I was found to have an area of concern on my yearly mammogram.  

After four different sets of pictures at 3 different locations, 2 radiologist and my surgeon decided that the micro calcifications being seen were of an indeterminate nature and neither surgery, nor a needle biopsy would be possible at this time.  A follow up mammogram was advised for six months from now.

While doing some research about all of this, I found something very interesting.  I found that one factor in developing breast cancer is high exposure of the breast tissue at a young age to ionizing radiation.  I had treatment for scoliosis about 34 years ago and received almost monthly x-rays for approximately 3 years.  The fact that I already had breast cancer 10 years ago, now have these new micro calcifications which may or may not be worrisome, and have had significant exposure to ionizing radiation, make me think I may be a good candidate for a preventative mastectomy.

I am done having children and believe that the ability to reduce my risk of breast cancer by 90%, should I have this procedure done, makes this procedure a viable choice for me.

My question is this:  My surgeon will not even consider performing this procedure.  Will I be able to find a surgeon willing to perform this procedure when I do not currently have cancer (that I know of?)  

[japdip]

Well first off I believe that if these microcalcifications were seen to be grouped or in a cluster they should be investigated further. When they are in these patterns they are an indication of some abnormality within the breast tissue .... although not always due to cancer this still must be determined to a 100% certainty. I would think that you could find a Surgeon who would agree with you about the mastectomy but I think the calcification issue should be settled first. How about a Breast MRI ?? The most sensitive of tests which might clarify things to some degree. I certainly wouldn't go with a needle biopsy unless you're referring to a Core type. You could wait the 6 months and make everyone happy (except yourself) and then go on the attack after that. A Breast Specialist might be of some help also to review your films as a second opinion. Regards .....