Dipika Kakar’s Liver Cancer Shocks Fans—What Are the Warning Signs

Television actor Dipika Kakar disclosed Wednesday that doctors have diagnosed her with stage 2 liver cancer.

Kakar said she went to a hospital after upper abdominal pain led to imaging that showed a tennis ball size tumor on her liver. A biopsy later confirmed the mass was malignant. She made the announcement in an Instagram post.

Liver cancer often shows no clear signs until tumors grow large. Early detection can improve treatment options and outcomes.

Medical experts list these five key symptoms of liver cancer:

1. Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without changes in diet or exercise may indicate disease.

2. Abdominal pain: Discomfort or pain in the right upper abdomen, sometimes extending to the back or shoulder, can signal tumor growth.

3. Appetite changes: A sudden loss of appetite or feeling full after small meals may reflect impaired liver function.

4. Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin or eyes arises when bilirubin builds up due to bile duct obstruction.

5. Abdominal swelling: Fluid buildup in the abdomen, known as ascites, occurs when the liver cannot process fluid normally.

Kakar’s disclosure highlights the need for timely medical evaluation when these symptoms appear. Risk factors include hepatitis infection, cirrhosis, heavy alcohol use and metabolic conditions.

Kakar did not provide details on her treatment plan at the time of her announcement.