Is a tumor caused by a virus referred to as “Human herpesvirus 8”
This virus is also referred to as Kaposi’s sarcoma-assoicated virus
Has been indentified in patients and was initially catorigized in 1872
The virus was identified in 1994
Is also seen and is well known in HIV patients
Is a cancer that arises from lymphatic endothelium rather than a true sarcoma
Appears quite similar to a bruise
Transmission occurs by contact and sexual activity
Classifications of Kaposi’s sarcoma
Classic
- Affects those from Eastern Europe and Mediterranean descent or region
Endemic
- Aggects those from Africa
- Not associated with HIV infection
- Is more aggressive
- Seen often in the lower limbs
Epidemic
- Extremely aggressive disease
- Found in those with HIV
- 300 times more common in these patients
Types
1.) Classic Kaposi Sarcoma
2.) AIDS-associated Kaposi Sarcoma
3.) Immunosuppression-associated
4.) African cutaneous
5.) African lymphadenopathic
Symptoms
- Are nodules or blotches
- Typical colors include: black, brown, red, or purpular
- Are raised off the skin
Mouth
- Affects more than 1/4 of those with AIDS
- Can be the first location in 10% or more
- Gums and the upper portion of the mouth called the hard plate
- Difficulty with eating and speaking is often seen
Skin
- Seen often on face
- Also seen in lower legs and in the genitalia
- Swelling can be seen
- Ocassionally a scabing affect may occur
- May cause significant physical change to the area affected
Respiratory Tract
- Fever
- Cough
- Coughing blood
- Chest pain
- Found on X-ray
GI tract
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty with absorption
- Obstruction
Diagnosis
Blood tests are helpful
Treatment
Is not curable where complete remission is seen
However, decrese the progression and mild remission is plausable
Treatment of AIDs can help improve Kaposi’s sarcoma
Radiation Therapy
Cryosurgery
Surgery alone is not typically helpful and can make the affected area worse
Medication
. Paclitaxel
. Liposomal anthracycline
. Interferon alpha