After a 1.3 cm cyst reoccurred in March, actor Dipika Kakar underwent a second surgery as part of her ongoing treatment for liver cancer. Sharing her journey in a recent vlog, a 'shaken' Kakar opened up about the emotional toll of the procedure and sent a message of empowerment to women to stay strong during medical crises.
"I want to come out of this completely. For a few days, we have been discussing the further course of treatment, but I didn't expect this recurrence to be so fast. Some new tests are being done, and doctors are also discussing; it's overwhelming at times," said Kakar.
Following her initial diagnosis of a tennis-ball-sized malignant cyst last year—a condition that required the surgical removal of 22% of her liver—actor Dipika Kakar faced a setback in March 2026. A recurrence of the cyst near the liver made her undergo a second major procedure.
What is cyst recurrence?
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Cyst recurrence commonly happens when the cyst wall or sac is not completely removed, allowing it to refill. A cyst forms when skin cells or oil glands become trapped under the skin, creating a sac that fills with keratin or sebum. If any part of that sac remains after treatment, it can start refilling again, leading to a new cyst.
Though cyst removal is a permanent solution, in some cases, a cyst can return months or even years later.
What are the key reasons for cyst recurrence?
1. The most common cause is leaving behind a microscopic fragment of the cyst wall, allowing it to grow back.
2. Draining a cyst rather than fully cutting it out (excision) leaves the lining intact, which often fills back up.
3. For functional ovarian cysts, the menstrual cycle can cause new cysts to form. For skin cysts, continued skin trauma or clogged follicles can cause them to return.
4. A prior infection or rupture can damage surrounding tissue, making a new cyst more likely to form in that spot.
How can recurrence be prevented?
1. Complete surgical excision: The gold-standard treatment for larger or deep cysts. The doctor removes the cyst and its wall in one piece through a small incision. Once the capsule is gone, recurrence is extremely unlikely.
2. Minimal excision technique: For smaller cysts, a small incision is made, and the entire capsule is gently extracted through it. This offers a clean result with minimal scarring.
3. Delayed excision after infection: If a cyst is inflamed or infected, it’s drained first and allowed to heal before complete removal. This two-step approach avoids rupture of the capsule and ensures full clearance later.
4. Gentle dissection and fine suturing: Minimising trauma and tension during closure helps the wound heal smoothly and reduces the risk of trapped tissue that could regrow.
When performed correctly, recurrence rates after full excision are very low — typically less than 5%.
How to reduce your risk of recurrence
1. Avoid squeezing or pressing cysts, as it can rupture the sac and spread cyst material into surrounding tissue.
2. Treat infections early: If a cyst becomes inflamed, see a doctor before it worsens.
3. Keep your skin clean and exfoliated: For people prone to blocked pores or follicular cysts, gentle exfoliation helps reduce oil buildup.
4. Follow aftercare instructions: Proper wound care during healing reduces irritation and scar blockage that can trigger new cysts.