removal of breast

I just had a biopsy done because the mamogram (mammogram) showed a calcification.  Now the doc want to biopsy what appears to be another spot, but may be the same one.  The first ha a pre-cancerous bump and if the second one has the same he want to take the entire breast off.  I don't understand why the pre-cancerouse lumps can't just be removed.  Why be so redical when the bumps are not cancerouse yet.  Yest remove them but leave the breast...I have heard how scared this leave you and how painful an exprensive re-constructive surgery is.  Alternitives are needed....help

thank you
miranda

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear miranda:  First, it would be important to know what your doctor means by "precancerous."  If it is ductal carcinoma in situ, then a second "lump" within the same breast may well suggest that a mastectomy is the best choice.  However, if the pathology is different, then the best intervention would need to be determined based on that information.

[PG]

I would just like to add-
  Get a second or even a third opinion.  Read everything you can find on the subject, and don't believe everything the doctors tell you.
  You are wise to question the need for mastectomy. If your biopsy showed "ductal carcinoma in situ", be advised that this is a form of non invasive cancer that may never develop into a life or health threatening situation. Although the current standard treatment for this pathology is mastectomy or lumpectomy with radiation, there are many in the medical community who believe this to be a vast overtreatment.
  If it is a Surgeon who has recommended this to you, remember - surgeons only know how to do one thing, so don't ask a surgeon for an opinion unless you are looking for a surgical solution.  My observation has been that rarely have these doctors had to endure the horror of having their own body parts amputated, and they are far too anxious to encourage and/ or intimidate frightened women into surgery by telling them their life depends on it, and it's not a big deal.  Hey, it's a way to make a living - and don't be fooled - women docs are worse than the men in this regard.
  You don't have to look very far to find support web sites full of unhappy women trying to cope with the life long debilities resulting from this surgery - arm weakness, nerve damage, pain, lymphedema, horrendous reconstruction jobs, tissue necrosis, etc., etc. - not to mention the mutilation looking back at you from the mirror every day for the rest of your life.
   Your last sentence says it all - ALTERNATIVES ARE NEEDED!
You are at a point where you have options.  Consider them carefully.  I wish I had.
Good Luck.

[MPM]

I also have DCIS.  I had a lumpectomy and radiation for 6 weeks.  Now they are suggesting tamoxifan (tamoxifen).  Many people tell me I am overkill and should not take the drug. My surgeon scared me and told me cancer cells will probably come back if  don't take it.  I no longer see him, because I need positive thoughts. Don't jump into anything.