Kaposi Sarcoma
Description
A cancer that can involves the skin, mouth, throat, nose intestines, liver, and lung. The abnormal growth occurs in the cells that line blood vessels and lymphatic channels. The cancer cells can grow rapidly and is most often found in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and in those on immunosuppressive medications. Another form, referred to as classic, occurs in elderly men of Mediterranean ancestry.
Symptoms
Bluish-red or purple skin lesions, lesions appear on the feet or ankles, thighs, arms, hands, face, or any other part of the body. Other symptoms may include: vomiting blood, blood from rectum, shortness of breath, cough with bloody sputum.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. A skin biopsy confirms the diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment decisions depend on the extent and location of the lesions, as well as the person's symptoms and degree of immunosuppression. Antiviral therapy against the AIDS virus can shrink the lesions.
Related Videos
Research
News
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 7 (HealthDay News) -- The weakened ...
According to the national cancer registry, breast c...
Chimerix, Inc., a pharmaceutical company developing...
Reportlinker.com announces that a new market resear...
Share Your Experience
Do you have experience with this disease? Do you or someone
you know suffer from Kaposi sarcoma?
Please share you experience with other members of the iTriage community.