TV actor Dipika Kakar diagnosed with liver cancer: Know the causes, symptoms, and ways to prevent cancer of the liver

Dipika Kakar posted on her social media handle that she's been diagnosed with liver cancer

TV actor Dipika Kakar's latest social media post talks about her being diagnosed of liver cancer. According to multiple studies, the cancer of the liver, though less talked about, is increasingly being seen among younger adults.

Liver tumors, especially malignant ones like hepatocellular carcinoma, are often silent until they reach an advanced stage, says Dr Pavan Hanchanale, Hepatologist and Liver Transplant Physician, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune.

Dr Hanchanale shares 10 symptoms of liver tumors to watch for:

Also read | Dipika Kakar diagnosed with stage 2 liver tumour, gets emotional and says she’s ready to fight

• Abdominal pain or discomfort: A dull ache in the upper right abdomen may be the liver signalling distress.
• Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying, especially more than 5–10% over a few months, is a red flag.
• Loss of appetite: Feeling full quickly or avoiding meals altogether is a common cancer-related symptom.
• Fatigue or weakness: An ongoing tiredness that rest doesn't fix could be due to liver dysfunction or tumor inflammation.
• Nausea or vomiting: Persistent nausea, particularly if unexplained, can be linked to impaired liver detoxification.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of skin or eyes often points to bilirubin buildup from liver damage.
• Abdominal swelling (ascites): Bloating and belly discomfort could indicate fluid retention linked to liver obstruction.
• Fever: Not always present, but an unexplained fever could be a body’s immune response to a tumour.
• Itchy skin: Itching, especially on hands and feet, may result from bile salt buildup in the bloodstream.
• Enlarged liver or abdominal mass: A noticeable lump or enlargement should always be evaluated via imaging and blood tests.

Prevention tips:

Dr Hanchanale stresses the importance of taking simple, proactive steps to protect your liver health. He recommends getting vaccinated against hepatitis B, cutting back on alcohol, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight, especially if you have conditions like diabetes. “It's also important to steer clear of harmful toxins, including moldy foods and performance-enhancing drugs. For those at higher risk, regular screenings can make all the difference. Liver health is closely tied to lifestyle. Prevention is always better than cure, especially when early symptoms are so easy to overlook,” he says.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.