Has anyone ever heard of having calcium deposits surgically removed to PREVENT cancer or any other reason?

Question:

My stepmom is going to have a surgical biopsy and to have calcium deposits surgically removed on Monday. Isn't there any easier way to take a biopsy and is it necessary to remove calcium deposits?

Answers:
Calcium deposits do not cause cancer. I am assuming you are talking about calcification found on a mammogram. Breast cancer can cause the calcifications, not the other way around.

Microcalcifications on a mammogram are one sign of potential breast cancer. Not all microcalcifications are due to breast cancer.

I should also add that not all cancers show calcifications. For example masses of chest x-rays that have calcifications are usual NOT cancer.

There are two major ways to biopsy breast calcifications, with a stereotactic core needle biopsy or a wire-localization open (surgical) biopsy. Both have their advantages and draw backs. I would assume this was discussed with your mother. However, if it was not she certainly has the prerogative to ask about alternative options. I should not that there are instances where open biopsy might be superior to stereotactic biopsy.

Has anyone ever heard of having calcium deposits surgically removed to PREVENT cancer or any other reason?

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