Aiko Melendez undergoes biopsy for thyroid nodules, says they 'appear to be benign'

Aiko Melendez is keeping the faith as she waits for the official results of her thyroid biopsy after her doctor's initial assessment indicated that her thyroid nodules appear to be benign.

On Facebook, the actress and Quezon City councilor shared updates on her health, revealing that she recently underwent a thyroid biopsy followed by a thyroid scan as part of her ongoing medical evaluation.

“I’m grateful because based on Dr. Allan’s initial assessment, my thyroid nodules appear to be benign. While that’s very reassuring, I’m still praying that the official biopsy results will confirm that everything is indeed okay,” she wrote.

Aiko also explained why she still needed to undergo a thyroid scan after the biopsy, saying the two procedures serve different purposes.

While a biopsy examines cells from the thyroid nodules to determine whether they are benign or malignant, a thyroid scan shows how the thyroid gland and the nodules are functioning.

“This is especially important for someone like me who has been dealing with hypothyrodism, as it helps my doctors better understand the cause of my condition and determine the most appropriate treatment moving forward,” she said.

Hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn't make enough hormones to address your body's needs. Symptoms include weight gain, infertility, fatigue, trouble tolerating the cold, and joint and muscle pain, among others.

In the following post, Aiko said that her thyroid problems started when she was a teenager.

“Back then, I was treated and took my medications, but like many people, I made the mistake of thinking that once I felt better and the symptoms were gone, I could stop taking them on my own,” she said.

“Looking back, I now realize how important it is to continue with regular follow-ups and only make changes to treatment under the guidance of an endocrinologist. Thyroid conditions don’t always cause obvious symptoms, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the condition has gone away,” she added.

Aiko encouraged others not to ignore their health, reminding the public to keep up with regular checkups and never stop taking prescribed medication without consulting their doctor.

“Sharing my experience in the hope that it encourages others to take their thyroid health seriously. If my story helps even one person avoid the same mistake, then this journey has a greater purpose,” she said.

—Carby Rose Basina/JCB, GMA News