>I need some information about breast calcifications.  A woman was told that
>she has benign calcifications throughout one breast.  Her doctors are
>recommending a double mastectomy because they feel that it is a
precancerous
>situation and that the other breast will become affected soon.


Hi Susan,
this sounds odd to me. Calcification may be seen on a mammogram (why was she
having a mammogram?). If the calcification is all different sizes and shapes
then it is thought to be benign. If an area of calcification is seen that
looks like little stars ("stellate") then it is thought to be likely to be
cancerous. So, if the appearance is benign - there is nothing to worry
about. If they are concerned then they should be taking a biopsy from the
area they are concerned about to get a definite diagnosis.
Is there more to the story? Family history?
Lisa Amir
GP / IBCLC in Melbourne, Australia