Kaposi’s sarcoma is a cancer that causes patches of abnormal tissue to grow under the skin in the lining of the mouth, nose, throat or other organs. The patches of abnormal tissue are either red or purple. They are made of cancer cells and blood cells. The characteristic skin lesions range from flat to raised purple plaques. The tumors have a rich network of small blood vessels and red blood cells that move through channels and lose oxygen which changes them from red to blue. This mixture of red and blue gives Kaposi’s sarcoma the characteristic purple color. Human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) is found in the lesions of all patients with Kaposi’s sarcoma.
Kaposi’s sarcoma has been found to be a common result of an alteration of body immunity. Two circumstances that cause this is a depression of the immune system that results from treatment in the event of an organ transplant and in association with AIDS. Kaposi ‘s sarcoma is different from other forms of cancer because it can develop in more than one place in the body at the same time.
The types of Kaposi’s sarcoma include Classic Kaposi’s sarcoma, African Kaposi’s sarcoma, Immunosuppressive treatment-related Kaposi’s sarcoma, Epidemic/ AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma and Non-epidemic Kaposi’s sarcoma.
Classic Kaposi’s sarcoma develops without a weakened immune system. It is rare and is usually found in older men of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern or Jewish descent. This type is most often found in the skin of the lower legs and feet. Patients in the early stages of Classic Kaposi’s sarcoma may not need treatment because this is a slow-growing cancer.
African Kaposi’s sarcoma is found in parts of sub-Saharan Africa. It develops more quickly and can affect men, women and children of all ages, but it is more common in men. In the 1950’s several cases were found in Africa. Since then the incidence of Kaposi’s sarcoma has dramatically increased.
Immunosuppressive treatment-related Kaposi’s sarcoma is rare and occurs in those with weakened or damaged immune systems. Those who have had organ transplants take drugs to suppress the immune system in order to reduce the risk of the body rejecting the donated organ. This type may improve if the immunosuppressive drugs are reduced or stopped.
Epidemic/AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma is the most common even though it has become less common with the improvement of HIV and AIDS treatment. When an HIV infection develops the immune system becomes weaker and the risk of developing Kaposi’s sarcoma increases.
Non-Epidemic Kaposi’s sarcoma develops in homosexual men that have no signs or symptoms of HIV. This type is rare and progresses slowly with new lesions developing every few years. The lesions are most common on the arms, legs and genitals, but they can develop anywhere.
There are no general symptoms of early Kaposi’s sarcoma. In Epidemic Kaposi’s sarcoma, the first sign of AIDS or the first lesion may follow an illness of months or years. Non-specific symptoms may occur at this time that includes fever, weight loss and sweating. The skin lesions do not create any symptoms, but they can be painful. Ulcers can also occur that are very painful. Gastrointestinal tract lesions are very common, but they rarely cause significant symptoms. Early lesions in the lungs have no symptoms, but severe lung involvement causes profound air hunger. Breathing problems and bleeding can develop if the cancer spreads into the digestive track or lungs.
The tests that are used to diagnose Kaposi’s sarcoma include a physical exam and history, biopsy, chest x-ray, endoscopy and bronchoscopy. The prognosis and treatment depend on circumstances such as the type of Kaposi’s sarcoma, the general health of the patient, whether or not the cancer has spread and whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or if it is a recurrence.
