Kaposi Sarcoma Overview
Learn About Kaposi Sarcoma
Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a cancerous tumor of the cells that make up blood vessels and lymph nodes.
Kaposi's sarcoma; HIV - Kaposi; AIDS - Kaposi; Kaposi's sarcoma
KS is the result of an infection with a gamma herpesvirus known as Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), or human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8). It is in the same family as the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis.
KSHV is transmitted mainly through saliva. It can also be spread through sexual contact, blood transfusion, or transplants. After it enters the body, the virus can infect different kinds of cells, especially cells that line blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. Like all herpesviruses, KSHV remains in your body for the rest of your life. If your immune system becomes weakened in the future, this virus may have the chance to reactivate, causing symptoms.
There are four types of KS based on the groups of people who are infected:
- Classic KS: Mainly affects older men of Eastern European, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean descent. The disease usually develops slowly.
- Epidemic (AIDS-related) KS: Occurs most often in people who have HIV infection and have developed AIDS.
- Endemic (African) KS: Mainly affects people of all ages in Africa.
- Immunosuppression-associated, or transplantation-associated, KS: Occurs in people who have had an organ transplant and take medicines that suppress their immune system.
The tumors (lesions) most often appear as bluish-red or purple bumps on the skin. They are reddish-purple because they are rich in blood vessels.
The lesions may first appear on any part of the body. They also can appear inside the body. Lesions inside the body may bleed. Lesions in the lungs can cause bloody sputum or shortness of breath.
How KS is treated depends on:
- How much the immune system is suppressed (immunosuppression)
- Number and location of the tumors
- Symptoms
Treatments include:
- Antiviral therapy against HIV, since there is no specific therapy for HHV-8
- Combination chemotherapy
- Freezing the lesions
- Radiation therapy
Lesions may return after treatment.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Maricar Malinis is an Infectious Disease provider in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Malinis and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Kaposi Sarcoma. Her top areas of expertise are Cytomegalovirus Infection, Cytomegalic Inclusion Disease, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Sepsis, and Tissue Biopsy. Dr. Malinis is currently accepting new patients.
Hospital Medicine Services Of Tennessee PC
Aathi Mariappan is an Internal Medicine provider in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Dr. Mariappan and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Kaposi Sarcoma. Their top areas of expertise are Kaposi Sarcoma and Necrosis.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Jessica Castilho is an Infectious Disease provider in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Castilho and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Kaposi Sarcoma. Her top areas of expertise are HIV/AIDS, Kaposi Sarcoma, Myelitis, AIDS Dementia Complex, and Tubal Ligation. Dr. Castilho is currently accepting new patients.
Treating KS does not improve the chances of survival from HIV/AIDS itself. The outlook depends on the person's immune status and how much of the HIV virus is in their blood (viral load). If HIV is controlled with medicine, the lesions will often shrink away on their own.
Complications can include:
- Cough (possibly bloody) and shortness of breath if the disease is in the lungs
- Leg swelling that may be painful or cause infections if the disease is in the lymph nodes of the legs
The tumors can return even after treatment. KS can be deadly for a person with AIDS.
An aggressive form of endemic KS can spread quickly to the bones. Another form found in African children does not affect the skin. Instead, it spreads through the lymph nodes and vital organs, and can quickly become deadly.
Safer sexual practices can prevent HIV infection. This prevents HIV/AIDS and its complications, including KS.
KS almost never occurs in people with HIV/AIDS whose disease is well controlled.
Summary: BACKGROUND: * A number of important scientific advances can be made through the study of blood, bone marrow, tumor, or other tissue samples from patients with HIV infection, infection with Kaposi s sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV), infection with other oncogenic viruses, or cancer. * This protocol provides a mechanism to affect a variety of such studies. OBJECTIVES: -Acquisition of serum, cir...
Background: Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a type of tumor caused by the Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus. KS usually affects the skin, but lesions can also appear in the lymph nodes, lungs and digestive tract. KS is most common in people with compromised immunity, but it also appears in otherwise healthy people. Researchers want to understand more about how KS develops, why it may recur, and how it affects the immune syst...
Published Date: November 10, 2024
Published By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Kaye KM. Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (human herpesvirus 8). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 140.
Merrick ST, Glesby MJ. Systemic manifestations of HIV/AIDS. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 359.
National Cancer Institute website. Kaposi sarcoma treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/soft-tissue-sarcoma/hp/kaposi-treatment-pdq. Updated September 21, 2023. Accessed November 25, 2024.