KAPOSI'S SARCOMA

General Information

DEFINITION--A form of skin cancer that is found most often in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is an aggressive disorder and the skin tumors soon become widespread. A second form of Kaposi's sarcoma is associated with immunosuppressive medications, and another form, referred to as classic, is usually found in elderly men of Mediterranean ancestry.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Skin.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Adult males.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Skin lesions (blue-red nodules) on the face, arms and trunk.
• Lesions may also be found in mucous membranes, lymph nodes and respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.
• Lesions in the mouth may interfere with eating or swallowing.
• Lesions on the feet may interfere with walking.
• Swelling (edema) face and lower extremities.
• Breathing difficulty due to lesions in the lungs.

CAUSES--Unknown transmission agent.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection.
• Taking immunosuppressant medications.

HOW TO PREVENT--No preventive measures for Kaposi's sarcoma; safe sex practices help prevent HIV infection.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Skin biopsy (See Glossary).
• Other tests to determine if tumors have spread to lungs or liver.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Doctor's treatment.
• Discontinuing or reducing dosage if the disorder is related to immunosuppressant drugs.
• Freezing (cryotherapy) of superficial lesions.
• Low-dose radiation therapy, if disease is not too widespread.
• Surgical excision in some patients.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Spreading of lesions.
• Other infections.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Generally poor for AIDS-related disease.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Primary goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms and improve cosmetic appearance.
• Good cosmetic results can improve your appearance as well as improve your overall outlook.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe:

• Injections into the lesions with anticancer medications.
• One or more oral anticancer drugs (may be necessary for patients with advanced, widespread disease).

ACTIVITY--As tolerated.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You or a household member develop symptoms of Kaposi's sarcoma.
• New or unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may cause side effects.