Kaposi's Sarcoma

Kaposi's sarcoma is a mesenchymal malignant vascular tumor.

Etiology
Kaposi's sarcoma is associated with HHV-8 infection, particularly in immunosuppressed patients.

There are 4 forms of Kaposi's sarcoma:


 * 1) classical form (lower limbs of the elderly);
 * 2) iatrogenic form in immunosuppressed patients after cytostatic treatment. e.g., after transplantations;
 * 3) endemic form (Africa)
 * 4) epidemic form in AIDS patients

Classical form
The classical form of Kaposi's sarcoma manifests as solid, slow-growing bumps with deep red (later on, brown), color. The classical form typically appears around the ankles and lower limbs. There are risks of ulceration and bleeding from the lesions. Diffuse edema is often accompanying the disease.

Disseminated form
The disseminated form can occur anywhere on the torso and mucous membranes. It is frequently associated with AIDS. Not only the skin is affected (which can widely vary in its manifestation), but the disseminated form also affects the internal organs. The disseminated form is very aggressive and progresses quickly.

Diagnostics
Main diagnostic modality is by means of histopathological examination. Atypical capillaries and spindle cells surrounded by red blood cells are seen.

Differential Diagnosis

 * Pseudo-Kaposi's sarcoma - occurs in chronic venous insufficiency
 * Hemangioma
 * Hemangiosarcoma

Therapy
The classical form is mainly treated by surgery. The disseminated form is treated mainly by the treatment of AIDS, and then by using interferon-alpha and chemotherapy.

Prognosis
Patients with the classical form of Kaposi's sarcoma have a good prognosis, however, it is usually fatal in disseminated form.

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