OBJECTIVE: A 15-month review of all mammotome excision breast biopsies in the Medical City to evaluate our experience in excising benign breast lesions using this technique by taking into consideration the complications encountered and patient satisfaction regarding the procedure and the postoperative result.

METHODS: The study included all patients seen by two breast surgeons of the Medical City Breast Clinic from May 2007 to July 2008 with both palpable breast masses visible on ultrasound with a Breast Imaging Reporting a Data System (BIRADS) classification of 2-4. Women with lesions at high risk for malignancy were excluded from the study. Patient demographics were noted, lesions were classified according to BIRADS classification and data regarding the procedure, compilations incurred and patient satisfaction ratings were obtained.

RESULTS: One hundred nineteen patients with ages ranging from 17 to 72 years old underwent ultrasound guided mammotome excision at the TMC-Breast Clinic removing a total of 167 lesions. Majority (82%) of patients were premenopausal whereas 22 (18%) were postmenopausal. Ecchymosis (73%) was the most frequent complication during the procedure due to hematoma formation, pain and a skin nick that require suturing. Of the 25 patients who had a previous open biopsy, 23 (92%) preferred mammotome excision over open breast biopsy.

CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided mammotome excision is a safe and well-tolerated alternative to open excision biopsy for benign lesions of the breast.

Human ; Female ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Adolescent ; Ecchymosis ; Patient Satisfaction ; Postmenopause ; Breast ; Biopsy ; Ultrasonography ; Mastectomy ; Hematoma ; Pain ; Neoplasms

BACKGROUND: Microplastics pose a significant environmental and health threat, yet the understanding and response of young adults to this issue remain underexplored. There is an increasing amount of microplastics in our environment and as the numbers grow, the danger that comes with it is still not fully understood. This study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of young adults in Muntinlupa, particularly students of a public university regarding microplastics and their health implications. METHODS: Employing a quantitative cross-sectional design, the research targeted college students aged 18 and older. RESULTS: Findings revealed that while students were knowledgeable about microplastics—particularly their harmful effects on health—attitudes and practices related to plastic disposal and recycling could be improved. Although the majority engaged in proper garbage disposal, only 41.5% consistently separated plastic waste from biodegradable materials. However, a weak positive correlation between knowledge and attitudes was observed, suggesting that increased awareness may enhance positive attitudes toward reducing microplastic pollution. CONCLUSION These results suggest that while students are aware of microplastics and generally responded positively, there remains a gap in the translation of knowledge into practices, highlighting the need for enhanced educational interventions.
Microplastics ; knowledge ; attitudes ; young adult