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Kaposi's sarcoma Information Guide


What is Kaposi's sarcoma?

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

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.

  
Kaposi's sarcoma
Information Guide
What is Kaposi's sarcoma?
What are the Symptoms of Kaposi's sarcoma?
How is Kaposi's sarcoma Treated?
How Can Kaposi's sarcoma be Prevented?
 

Kaposi's sarcoma: Tumors consist of bluish-red or purple nodules on skinIn 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 (see photo on right). 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.

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