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Kaposi sarcoma

Definition

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a cancerous tumor of the cells that make up blood vessels and lymph nodes.

Causes

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.

Symptoms

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.

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider will perform a physical exam, focusing on the lesions.

The following tests may be performed to diagnose KS and associated conditions:

• Bronchoscopy

• CT scan

• Endoscopy

• Skin biopsy

• HIV test

Treatment

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.

Outlook (Prognosis)

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.

Possible Complications

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.

Prevention

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.

References

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.

Review Date: 11/10/2024

Reviewed 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.