Kaposi's sarcoma Health Article

Definition

Kaposi's sarcoma is a cancerous tumor of the connective tissue, and is often associated with AIDS.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Before the AIDS epidemic, Kaposi's sarcoma was seen mainly in elderly Italian and Jewish men, and rarely, in elderly women. Among this group, the tumors developed slowly. In AIDS patients, the cancer can develop very fast. It may also involve the skin, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and other organs.

In people with AIDS, Kaposi's sarcoma is caused by an interaction between HIV, a weakened immune system, and the human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8). Kaposi's sarcoma has been linked to the spread of HIV and HHV-8 through sexual activity.

People who have kidney or other organ transplants are also at risk for Kaposi's sarcoma.

African Kaposi's sarcoma is fairly common in young adult males living near the equator. One form is also common in young African children.

Symptoms

The tumors appear as bluish-red or purple sores (lesions) on the skin. The color comes from the fact that they are rich in blood vessels.

The lesions may first appear on the feet or ankles, thighs, arms, hands, face, or any other part of the body. They also can appear on sites inside the body.

Other symptoms may include:

• Bleeding from gastrointestinal lesions
• Bloody sputum from lesions in the lung
• Shortness of breath from lesions in the lung

Signs and tests

The following tests may be performed to diagnose Kaposi's sarcoma:

• Bronchoscopy
• CT scan
• Endoscopy
• Skin lesion biopsy

Treatment

How this condition is treated depends on:

• How much the immune system is suppressed (immunosuppression)
• Number and location of the lesions
• Symptoms

Treatments include:

• Antiviral therapy against the AIDS virus
• Combination chemotherapy
• Freezing (cryotherapy)
• Radiation therapy

Lesions may return after treatment.

Expectations (prognosis)

Treating Kaposi's sarcoma does not improve the chances of survival from AIDS itself. The outlook depends on the person's immune status and how much of the HIV virus is in the patient's blood (viral load).