Dipika Kakar Thought It Was Just Acidity Which Turned Out To Be A Liver Tumour, Know Early Warning Signs!

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In a recent revelation that has left many shocked, it was disclosed that television star Dipika Kakar is grappling with a liver tumour. The news was shared by her husband, Shoaib Ibrahim, casting a shadow of concern among fans and followers. This health scare comes on the heels of Dipika's unexpected withdrawal from the cooking reality show Celebrity MasterChef India, a move that had previously sparked widespread speculation about her well-being.

Shoaib Ibrahim, in a heartfelt vlog titled 'Need your prayers', disclosed the severity of Dipika's condition, which initially seemed to be a minor stomach issue. "When I was in Chandigarh, Dipika started having stomach pain and we thought it was just acidity," he explained.

However, the discomfort persisted, prompting a visit to their family doctor, who suggested antibiotics and blood tests. Despite a temporary reprieve, Dipika's pain returned, leading to further tests that unveiled the true nature of her ailment: a tennis ball-sized tumour in her liver's left lobe. "It was very shocking for us," admitted Shoaib, adding that while the tumour currently appears benign, they are anxiously awaiting more reports to decide on the next steps for treatment.

Let us know the first signs, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options related to liver cancer.

What Is The First Sign Of Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer is a life-threatening condition that often progresses silently, without obvious symptoms until it's in an advanced stage. Known for its aggressive nature, liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally. While it can be a frightening diagnosis, early detection can significantly improve outcomes.

Liver cancer starts in the cells of the liver, an organ responsible for filtering toxins, aiding digestion, and producing essential proteins. The most common type is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which begins in liver cells called hepatocytes. Less common types include intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) and angiosarcoma (cancer of blood vessels in the liver).

Liver cancer can be primary (originating in the liver) or secondary (metastasizing from other organs such as the colon, breast, or lungs). Regardless of origin, liver cancer is particularly dangerous because of the liver's vital role and the often-delayed onset of symptoms.

So, what is the first sign of liver cancer? Unlike some diseases that cause sudden and dramatic changes, liver cancer tends to start quietly.
The first sign of liver cancer is usually unexplained weight loss or persistent fatigue. These symptoms are subtle and nonspecific, making them easy to overlook.

Other early signs can include:

• Loss of appetite
• Feeling full after a small meal
• Mild upper abdominal discomfort
• Nausea or indigestion
• Swelling in the abdomen (ascites)

Because these symptoms can resemble common digestive or lifestyle-related issues, they are often ignored until the cancer has progressed. If you are at risk of liver cancer, even these mild symptoms warrant medical evaluation.

Progressive Symptoms of Liver Cancer

As liver cancer advances, the symptoms become more pronounced:

• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by bile buildup
• Dark urine and pale stools: Related to liver dysfunction and bile duct blockage
• Severe abdominal pain: Usually on the right side, under the ribs
• Itchy skin: Caused by bile salt accumulation
• Fever and general malaise
• Enlarged liver or spleen: Felt as a mass in the upper abdomen

These signs typically indicate a more advanced stage of the disease and require immediate medical attention.

Risk Factors For Liver Cancer

• Certain health conditions and lifestyle choices increase the likelihood of developing liver cancer:
• Chronic hepatitis B or C infections: These viral infections damage liver cells over time and are major risk factors globally.
• Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver, often caused by alcohol abuse, hepatitis, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
• Heavy alcohol use: Damages liver tissue and leads to cirrhosis.
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Common in people with obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
• Aflatoxin exposure: Toxins from mold found on improperly stored grains and nuts.
• Family history of liver disease or cancer
• Smoking

How Liver Cancer Is Diagnosed

Diagnosing liver cancer involves several steps:

• Blood tests: To check liver function and detect tumour markers such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP).
• Imaging: Ultrasound, CT scans, and MRIs help identify liver tumours and assess their size and location.
• Liver biopsy: A small tissue sample may be taken to confirm the diagnosis and type of cancer.
• FibroScan or liver elastography: Used to evaluate liver stiffness, which may indicate cirrhosis or fibrosis.
• Regular Screening: In people with chronic liver disease, regular screening is essential for early detection-even before symptoms appear.

When To See A Doctor

If you experience persistent fatigue, unintended weight loss, appetite loss, or abdominal pain-especially if you have known risk factors-you should consult a healthcare provider. Early detection through routine checkups and screening can catch liver cancer before it becomes life-threatening.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, the overall health of the liver, and whether the cancer has spread. Common treatments include:

• Surgical resection: Removal of the tumour, best for small, localized cancers in otherwise healthy livers.
• Liver transplant: Offers a cure for eligible patients with early-stage liver cancer and underlying cirrhosis.
• Ablation therapy: Uses heat (radiofrequency or microwave) or chemicals to destroy cancer cells.
• Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE): Blocks the blood supply to the tumor and delivers chemotherapy directly.
• Targeted therapy and immunotherapy: Newer drugs that attack cancer cells or boost the immune system's response.
• Radiation therapy: Less commonly used, but may help in specific cases where surgery is not an option.

The earlier the cancer is detected, the more effective treatment is likely to be.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.