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 subdivision 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
Classical form of Kaposi's sarcoma appears as a solid, livid slow-growing bumps with deep red, later to brown, color. Classical form typically appears around t he ankles and lower limbs. There are risks of ulceration and bleeding from lesions. Diffuse swelling is often accompanied.

Disseminated form
Disseminated form can occur anywhere on the torso and mucous membranes. It is frequently associated with AIDS. Not only the skin (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 are seen in the corium, and spindle cells surrounded by red blood cells in the cleft space.

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 a treatment of AIDS, and then by interferon-alpha and chemotherapy.

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

Related articles

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 * benign skin tumor
 * precancerosis in dermatology