Woman with goiter undergoes medical examination with help from GMA Kapuso Foundation

A woman with goiter has undergone a medical examination with the help of GMA Kapuso Foundation.

According to Mel Tiangco's report on“24 Oras," Friday, Angelita Pigtuan noticed a lump develop in her neck shortly after giving birth in 2011. Over the next 15 years, the lump gradually increased in size.

“Minsan nahihirapan po akong huminga. 'Yung mama ko po nagkaganto po siya pero nawala din po. Ako po ang tagal hindi po nawala 'yung sa 'kin,”  said Angelita.

Angelita, who works as a garbage collector, earns P140 a day, which is not enough for her medication.

Just in time for Goiter Awareness Month, Angelita underwent a blood test and a neck ultrasound, thanks to the Kapuso Foundation.

“Ang diagnosis natin nodular goiter. Bakit tayo nagkakaroon ng ganito? Most common sa atin ay 'yung iodine deficiency, pwedeng hereditary,” head and neck surgeon Dr. Gil Vicente said. 

“Para makita natin kung gaano kalaki siya... If hindi talaga pwede after observation, pwede tayong magkaroon ng operation,” he added. 

Vicente also reminded the public that anyone who notices a lump in their neck or experiences difficulty breathing or swallowing should immediately seek medical attention, as these may be possible symptoms of goiter.

Meanwhile, Angelita appealed for help for her surgery.

“Ako po'y nananawagan sa inyo na ako po’y matulungan niyo kasi gustong-gusto ko na rin po magpaopera. Kapos po kami sa pinansyal,” she said. 

For those who wish to support GMA Kapuso Foundation's projects, donations may be made via Metrobank, Land Bank, BDO, Bank of Commerce, UnionBank, PNB, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Lazada, and Shopee. Visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website for more information.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA Integrated News