Television actor Dipika Kakar has recently revealed that she has been diagnosed with stage 2 liver cancer. In an Instagram post, the actor revealed how a visit to the hospital due to stomach pain turned into a shocking diagnosis.“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 its a tennis ball size 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!” Dipika said in her post. Kakar’s diagnosis has drawn attention to liver cancer, a disease that often goes undetected until advanced stages. Early detection significantly increases the chances of effective treatment of this aggressive cancer. However, most often the symptoms are frequently overlooked or mistaken for less serious conditions. Here are five crucial symptoms of liver cancer that should not be ignored.
Unexplained weight loss
Let’s be real—comparison is the thief of joy. And when it comes to weight loss, it’s downright sabotage. If you’re short, your journey is going to look different than someone who’s tall. That’s not a bad thing—it just means you’ve got to approach your goals with a custom mindset.Set goals that make sense for you, not someone else’s Instagram transformation. Progress photos, how your clothes fit, energy levels, and strength gains are often better indicators than the number on the scale—especially for petite people.
Sudden weight loss is a common sign of liver cancer, but it often gets overlooked. Patients may lose their appetite or feel full quickly, leading to reduced food intake. Such symptoms can easily be dismissed as stress or dietary changes. Losing weight without even trying is a warning sign of liver cancer. Weight loss without lifestyle changes warrants a doctor’s visit, especially in those with risk factors like hepatitis or heavy alcohol use.
Pain or discomfort in the belly
Abdominal pain or discomfort is a common complaint among people who are diagnosed with liver cancer. Pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen, where the liver is located, can signal a growing tumor. This pain may radiate to the back or shoulder and is often mistaken for indigestion or muscle strain. Pain in the abdomen or near the right shoulder blade should not be dismissed.
Changes in appetite
A crucial sign of liver cancer, which often goes undiagnosed, is changes in appetite. Loss of appetite may indicate liver dysfunction, especially if accompanied by bloating. Some experience reduced desire to eat, and feel uninterested in food, or skip meals without intending to. Early satiety also signals liver cancer. One may tend to feel full after eating small amounts, even if they were hungry initially. These changes occur because liver cancer can disrupt the liver’s role in digestion and metabolism.
Jaundice
Yellowing of the skin or eyes, known as jaundice, is a hallmark of liver dysfunction. This is because the tumor blocks the bile ducts or impairs liver function. As a result, the bilirubin builds up and causes this visible symptom. Itching skin or dark urine may accompany jaundice. Because jaundice typically appears in later stages, it’s less common early on, but should never be ignored.
Swelling or fluid buildup in the belly
Abdominal swelling, known as ascites, can occur when the liver function is compromised. This causes the fluid to accumulate in the belly. This may feel like bloating or fullness and is often mistaken for digestive issues. While more common in advanced stages, it can occasionally appear earlier, particularly in patients with underlying liver conditions like cirrhosis.
