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Kaposi’s sarcoma

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

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Kaposi’s sarcoma

Definition:

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

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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Before the AIDS epidemic, Kaposi's sarcoma was seen primarily in elderly Italian and Jewish men, and rarely, in elderly women. 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 to sexual transmission of HIV and HHV-8.

The tumors consist of bluish-red or purple lesions on the skin. They may first appear on the feet or ankles, thighs, arms, hands, face, or any other part of the body.

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