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Kaposi’s sarcoma

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Kaposi's sarcoma - lesion on the foot
Kaposi's sarcoma - lesion on the foot
Kaposi's sarcoma on the back
Kaposi's sarcoma on the back
Kaposi's sarcoma - close-up
Kaposi's sarcoma - close-up
Kaposi's sarcoma on the thigh
Kaposi's sarcoma on the thigh
Kaposi's sarcoma - perianal
Kaposi's sarcoma - perianal
Kaposi's sarcoma on foot
Kaposi's sarcoma on foot

Definition    Return to top

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

Causes    Return to top

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    Return to top

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:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

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

Treatment    Return to top

How this condition is treated depends on:

Treatments include:

Lesions may return after treatment.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

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).

Possible Complications    Return to top

Complications can include:

The tumors can return even after treatment. Kaposi's sarcoma can be fatal for a person with AIDS.

An aggressive form of African Kaposi's sarcoma can spread quickly to the bones. Another form found in African children does not affect the skin. Instead, it spreads through the lymph nodes and vital organs, and can quickly become fatal.

Prevention    Return to top

Safe sexual practices can prevent HIV infection. This prevents AIDS and its complications, including Kaposi's sarcoma.

References    Return to top

Volberding PA. Hematology and oncology in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 416.

Update Date: 9/28/2008

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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