Can calcifications in a breast that are cancerous be safely treated without removing the breast?

Yes and no.: There are two general types of breast cancer that can be associated with calcifications: in situ (non-invasive) breast cancer and invasive breast cancer. The goal is not to remove the calcifications, but to remove the tumor. Depending on the type of cancer you have, breast-sparing surgery may be an option. I suggest you consult a breast surgeon to discuss your options.

Breast Conserving RX: The surgical rx of breast cancer requires a lumpectomy or a mastectomy. Survival rates are the same regardless of rx. Most women are candidates for either provided that the cancer is localized to just one region of the breast & are willing to undergo radiation therapy, which is almost always required after lumpectomy.

Yes: Yes, breast conserving therapy requires that only the cancer and margin of normal tissue be removed from the breast. Post-operative radiation is required when this technique is used.