What Is a FAPI Scan? Dipika Kakar Opens Up About Cancer Detection and Liver Surgery

Actor Dipika Kakar recently opened up her cancer diagnosis while speaking on the podcast of Bharti Singh and Harsh Limbachiyaa. She shared how doctors used a FAPI scan to check whether cancer cells had spread to other parts of her body before surgery.

Dipika revealed that her cancer was limited to the tumour and had not spread elsewhere at that time. Doctors later removed nearly 22 percent of her liver along with the tumour during surgery.

What Is a FAPI Scan?

A FAPI scan is an advanced imaging test used to detect cancer cells inside the body. It works in a way similar to a CT scan, but it gives doctors a clearer picture of where cancer may be present.

Doctors usually recommend a FAPI scan before surgery or treatment to understand how far the disease has spread. This helps them decide the best treatment plan for the patient.

Why FAPI Scans Are Becoming Popular

Experts say FAPI scans are being called a major breakthrough in cancer imaging because they can detect cancer more accurately with less background disturbance in the images.

Unlike traditional scans that mainly track glucose activity, FAPI scans identify cancer-associated fibroblasts, which are linked to tumour growth. This helps doctors get a more detailed and clearer view of the disease.

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According to cancer specialists, if a FAPI scan shows that cancer is limited only to the tumour, surgery becomes a stronger treatment option.

The scan also helps doctors understand the stage of cancer more confidently before beginning treatment. However, experts say a patient's recovery and prognosis still depend on several factors, including tumour biology and overall health.

Dipika Kakar's Liver Surgery Explained

Dipika shared that doctors removed around 22% of her liver to completely take out the tumour. While this sounds serious, medical experts explain that the liver is one of the few organs in the body that can regenerate itself. The liver has the ability to grow back and recover its lost function over time through rapid cell division.

Can the Liver Recover After Surgery?

Doctors say the liver can usually regain its size and function after surgery, but recovery depends on the patient's health and the condition of the remaining liver.

Like any major surgery, there can still be risks such as infection, bleeding, bile leakage, or temporary liver problems during recovery.

Why FAPI Scan Is Seen as a Big Advancement

The biggest advantage of a FAPI scan is that it can help detect cancer spread more clearly and at an earlier stage. This gives doctors better confidence while planning surgery, chemotherapy, or other treatments.

Medical experts believe FAPI technology could improve cancer diagnosis and treatment planning in the future.

FAPI scans are quickly gaining attention in the medical field because of their ability to provide more accurate cancer imaging. As more hospitals begin using this technology, it may help doctors detect cancer earlier and improve treatment decisions for patients around the world.