Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a type of cancer in which tumors form in the lining of your blood and lymph vessels. It usually grows below the surface of your skin and affects your mouth, nose, eyes, and anus and can spread to your lymph nodes, lungs, and digestive tract.
The four types of Kaposi sarcoma include epidemic, classic, endemic, and immunosuppressive KS.
4 types of Kaposi sarcoma
- Epidemic (AIDS-associated): AIDS-associated Kaposi sarcoma is the most common type of KS in the United States. This type of KS affects people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV infection destroys the immune system and allows cells harboring HHV-8 to multiply. KS is considered an AIDS-defining illness.
- Classic (Mediterranean): This type of KS mainly affects older people of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, or Eastern European descent and is more common in men than in women. Lesions are often found more on the legs, ankles, or the soles of the feet. Lesions also progress slowly, and new lesions do not develop as often.
- Endemic (African): This type of KS occurs in people from equatorial Africa. Factors that may contribute to the development of the disease include those that weaken the immune system, such as malnutrition and malaria.
- Immunosuppressive (transplant-related): This type of KS affects recipients of organ transplants who take drugs that weaken their immune system. The disease tends to be milder and easier to control in this population than it is in people with AIDS.
What causes Kaposi sarcoma?
Kaposi sarcoma is caused by a virus called human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8).
Healthy people can carry the virus without any problems because their immune system keeps it under control. However, in people with weakened immune systems, HHV-8 has the potential to trigger Kaposi sarcoma.
HHV-8 can be spread through saliva, such as during sexual contact or in interactions between a mother and child.
Who is at the risk for Kaposi sarcoma?
Those who are at greater risk of Kaposi sarcoma include men, people who are infected with HIV, and those with compromised immunity.
Kaposi sarcoma is more common in men and is 8 times more common in men than in women.
Kaposi sarcoma is an AIDS marker, meaning that when KS affects someone who has an HIV infection, they officially have aids and are not just HIV-positive.
What are the symptoms of Kaposi sarcoma?
The most visible signs of Kaposi sarcoma are purple, red, or brown lesions beneath the skin that can appear flat or raised. New lesions may show up every week. Common locations include the feet, legs, and face. Lesions may also appear on the eyes and under the eyelids.
Depending on the location of the lesions, they can cause other symptoms:
- Mouth and throat: Trouble eating or swallowing
- Lungs: Trouble breathing and coughing up blood
- Gastrointestinal tract: Upset stomach, vomiting, abdominal pain and bleeding, which may eventually lead to anemia
- Lymph nodes: Swelling in the arms, feet, and groin
SLIDESHOW
Skin Cancer Symptoms, Types, Images See SlideshowHow is Kaposi sarcoma treated?
Treatment of Kaposi sarcoma depends on the number, size, and location of lesions, as well as the health of the immune system. Treatment options include:
- Antiretroviral therapy: May clear up skin lesions and make skin look better
- Radiation therapy: Kills the cancer cells or stops their growth
- Chemotherapy: May be used if the cancer has spread to different parts of the body and includes drugs such as:
- Doxorubicin
- Paclitaxel
- Vinblastine
- Biologic therapy: Uses drugs to boost the immune system
Health News
- FDA Panel Backs RSV Vaccine for Infants, Some Toddlers
- Seniors: Stay Social, Active for 'Optimal Aging,' Study Shows
- Diabetes Med Metformin Might Help Prevent Long COVID
- Disability a Growing Concern for U.S. Cancer Survivors
- Smoke From Wildfires Is Especially Tough If You Have Asthma. Here’s How to Protect Yourself
More Health News »
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Katz J. Kaposi Sarcoma. Medscape. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/279734-overview
National Institutes of Health. Kaposi Sarcoma Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version. https://www.cancer.gov/types/soft-tissue-sarcoma/patient/kaposi-treatment-pdq
Top What Are the 4 Types of Kaposi Sarcoma Related Articles
Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Soft tissue sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that forms in the soft tissues of the body. Soft tissues include the muscle, tendons, fat, lymph, blood vessels, and nerves. Sarcomas can appear anywhere in the body but are usually encountered in the arms, legs, chest, abdomen, head, and neck. Although the condition primarily affects adults, it can rarely affect children.Are Soft Tissue Sarcomas Vascular?
Vascular sarcoma is a type of soft tissue sarcoma that potentially affects the lymphatic system and lining of the blood vessels anywhere in the body. Soft tissue sarcomas are a rare form of cancer (malignant) that affects connective tissue.
Cancer
Cancer is a disease caused by an abnormal growth of cells, also called malignancy. It is a group of 100 different diseases, and is not contagious. Cancer can be treated through chemotherapy, a treatment of drugs that destroy cancer cells.
Cancer 101 Slideshow
Learn the basics about cancer including types, causes, how it spreads, symptoms and signs, stages and treatment options. Read about the common type of cancers.
HIV/AIDS Myths
What is HIV versus AIDS? What are the symptoms of HIV? Is there an HIV cure? Discover myths and facts about living with HIV/AIDS. Learn about HIV and AIDS treatment options, symptoms, and diagnosis.
What Are HIV & AIDS? Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. Learn about HIV symptoms, HIV test, HIV positive, being HIV positive, how HIV infection spreads, T-Cell counts, antiretroviral therapy (ART), viral load, Truveda, and other HIV/AIDS therapies.
HIV Testing
HIV antibody tests detect antibodies the body produces to neutralize the virus. HIV RNA testing uses polymerase chain reaction to detect HIV RNA in a person's blood. It usually takes one to three days to get results.
HIV/AIDS Picture
Acronym for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the cause of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). See a picture of HIV/AIDS and learn more about the health topic.Is Soft Tissue Sarcoma Terminal?
Soft tissue sarcomas can be fatal; however, with timely diagnosis and treatment, they can be cured and treated.
Is Tumor a Cancer?
A tumor is a mass or lump of tissue in an organ. In a healthy body, cells grow, divide, and are replaced by new cells. In the case of a tumor, the rate of cell multiplication is more than cell destruction. The word tumor is often associated with cancer; however, not all tumors are cancerous.
Lesionectomy
Brain lesions include tumors, scars from a head injury or infection, abnormal blood vessels, and hemotomas. A lesionectomy is an operation to remove these lesions that sometimes can lead to epilepsy.
What Causes Kaposi Sarcoma?
Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a form of cancer caused by herpesvirus infection. This virus is known as Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) or human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). Causes of Kaposi sarcoma include immune suppression, HIV infection and certain socioeconomic factors.
What Does HIV Do to a Person?
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks and weakens the immune system, impairing the body's ability to fight diseases and infections.
What Exactly Is a Tumor?
A tumor is an abnormal growth of cells, which serves no purpose in the body. There are three types of tumors, but it is not always clear how a tumor will develop in the future. Some non-cancerous tumors can become cancerous. Early detection of a lump or tumor is important to determine what will be the treatment.
When Should I Be Concerned About Oral Lesions?
Oral lesions are generally noncancerous; however, they may cause cancer over time, which could manifest in the following nine signs.