Preventive Mastectomy for High-Risk Breast Cancer: Risks & Benefits

Question
I am high risk for breast cancer.  My mom has it, I am 34, and have not had any children yet.
Last week I was told I had a "clumped enhancement" on my MRI, and they are sending me for a mamogram.
Should I consider getting preventative masectomy to ensure I dont get breast cancer.  WHat are the risks and success rate?

Answer
Hi again! Well a double (bilateral) prophylactic mastectomy would cut your breast cancer risk to almost zero (small aberrant breast tissue areas may be missed) but it is a rather drastic solution. Regular check ups including mammography, breast MRI scans, breast ultrasound scans and needle biopsies of any findings (and if necessary surgical biopsies of any unclear/uncertain results) would also give you a high degree of security. Prophylactic mastectomies are usually reserved for cases with a MASSIVE family history or otherwise well documented high genetic risk. Why not wait until the results are in of the present examination and THEN make a decision without any panic? Again good luck! Please do keep me posted!