Kaposi’s sarcoma

Kaposi's sarcoma - close-up

Kaposi's sarcoma on the thigh

Kaposi's sarcoma - perianal

Kaposi’s sarcoma

Definition:

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

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Before the AIDS epidemic, Kaposi's sarcoma was seen primarily in elderly Italian and Jewish men. Among this population the lesions developed slowly. In AIDS patients, it can develop aggressively and involve the skin, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and other organs.

In people with AIDS, Kaposi's sarcoma is caused by an interaction between HIV, immune system suppression, and human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8). Occurence of Kaposi's sarcoma and has been linked with sexual transmission of HIV and HHV-8.

The tumors consist of bluish-red or purple nodules made up of vascular tissue. Early lesions may start on the feet or ankles and spread to the arms and hands. Approximately 3 in 100,000 people develop Kaposi's sarcoma.

Symptoms:

Bluish-red macule or papule with an irregular shape
Bleeding with gastrointestinal lesions
Shortness of breath with pulmonary (lung) lesions
Bloody sputum with pulmonary lesions

Signs and tests:

Skin lesion biopsy showing Kaposi's sarcoma
Endoscopy showing Kaposi's lesions

This disease may also alter the results of an EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy).

Treatment:

Treatment decisions depend on the extent and location of the lesions, as well as the person's symptoms and degree of immunosuppression. Antiretroviral therapy against the AIDS virus can shrink the lesions.

Radiation therapy or cryotherapy can be used for lesions in certain areas. Combination chemotherapy may also be used. Lesions may recur after treatment, however.

Expectations (prognosis):

Treatment and remission of Kaposi's sarcoma does not improve survival in AIDS patients.

The appearance of Kaposi's sarcoma is a poor prognostic sign for individuals with HIV infection. Prognosis also depends on the immune status and HIV viral load of the patient.

Complications:

The tumor can recur even after apparently successful treatment.

Kaposi's sarcoma can be fatal for a person with AIDS.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms suggestive of Kaposi's sarcoma.

Prevention:

Safe sexual practices can prevent infection with HIV, which in turn prevents the development of AIDS and its complications, including Kaposi's sarcoma.

Review Date: 11/7/2002
Reviewed By: Ezra E. W. Cohen, M.D., Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.