Dipika Kakar diagnosed with stage 2 liver cancer after routine check-up for stomach pain; experts raise alarm over silent symptoms

Dipika Kakar, the 'Sasural Simar Ka' actress, has been diagnosed with stage 2 liver cancer, days after her better half, Shoaib Ibrahim, shared a video informing her fans about her health condition. However, during that time, Ibrahim confirmed that Dipika underwent multiple tests after experiencing severe stomach pain a few days back.

On Tuesday, Dipika took to her Instagram to share a note giving fans an update on her current health condition. In the post, she went on to say how a simple visit to the hospital for stomach pain turned into a life-changing diagnosis.

The actress's husband, for the last few days, has been sharing information about her health updates with fans.

Dipika Kakar diagnosed with liver cancer

Sharing about one of the most difficult times in the actress's life, she revealed that the last few weeks were "one of the most difficult times" the family has experienced.

The actor further wrote, "As you all are aware last few weeks have been quite difficult for us... walking into the hospital for a pain in the upper area of my stomach... and then finding out it's a tennis ball-sized tumour in the liver and then finding out that the tumour is Second stage Malignant (Cancerous) ... it has been one of the most difficult time we have seen, experienced!"

She went on to add that she is quite positive about fighting the battle against the obstacle. She has a positive mindset currently and is determined to face the difficult time and walk out stronger from the situation.

"With my entire family being by my side and all the LOVE and PRAYERS pouring in from all of you I will sail through this too! IshaAllah. Keep me in your prayers! Lots of love. Dipika," she added.

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Can simple stomach pain turn out to be cancerous?

Dipika also mentioned that she simply went for a check-up after experiencing severe stomach pain, but it turned out to be the biggest nightmare of her life, as she was diagnosed with liver cancer stage 2. But is stomach pain the first sign? ¡°It is imperative for everyone to pay attention to their liver health and go for regular screening as recommended by the doctor. So, the risk factors for stage 2 liver cancers are hepatitis B or C infection, heavy alcohol use, fatty liver, cirrhosis, and a family history of liver disease,¡± warns Dr Siddhesh Tryambake, Consultant Medical Oncologist, TGH Onco Life Cancer Centre, Talegaon.

¡°You should not ignore signs like unexplained weight loss, stomach pain or swelling, yellowing eyes or skin (jaundice), fatigue, and loss of appetite. Many people tend to dismiss these warning signs and then land in trouble. These symptoms may seem common, but they can signal that something is wrong with the liver,¡± adds Dr. Tryambake.

Credit: Instagram | @DipikaKakar

How does stage 2 liver cancer happen?

According to Dr. Salil Patkar, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Medicover Hospitals, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, ¡°So, stage 2 liver cancers occur when there is abnormal liver cell growth, and a tumour is formed. The tumour can be over 2 cm, or there can be even multiple small tumours in the liver. Though the tumour can invade through nearby blood vessels, it may not spread to other vital organs.¡±

The risk factors can be hepatitis B or C infection, long-term alcohol abuse, fatty liver disease, or cirrhosis. ¡°At this stage, the symptoms can be chronic or mild. It is the need of the hour to seek timely diagnosis and treatment after one experiences the symptoms. Delaying treatment could lead to worsening health and negative outcomes,¡± says Dr. Patkar.