Introduction to Kaposi’s sarcoma

Kaposi’s sarcoma, a cancer of the lymphatic cell wall, affects tissues under the skin or mucous membranes that line the mouth, nose, and anus. In recent years, the incidence of Kaposi’s sarcoma has risen dramatically along with the incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It’s now the most common HIV-related cancer.
Kaposi’s sarcoma causes structural and functional damage. It progresses aggressively, involving the lymph nodes, the viscera and, possibly, GI structures.

Etiology
The exact cause of Kaposi’s sarcoma is unknown, but the disease may be related to immunosuppression. Genetic or hereditary predisposition is also suspected.

Signs and symptoms

The initial sign of Kaposi’s sarcoma is one or more obvious lesions in various shapes, sizes, and colors (ranging from red-brown to dark purple) that appear most commonly on the skin, buccal mucosa, hard and soft palates, lips, gums, tongue, tonsils, conjunctivae, and sclerae.
With advanced disease, the lesions may join, becoming one large plaque. Untreated lesions may appear as large, ulcerative masses.

                           Kaposi's Sarcoma Seen as a tumor on the roof of the mouth

                                                    Kaposi Sarcoma Affecting the skin
Other signs and symptoms include:

• a history of HIV infection
• pain (if the sarcoma advances beyond the early stages or if a lesion breaks down or impinges on nerves or organs)
• edema from lymphatic obstruction
• dyspnea (in cases of pulmonary involvement), wheezing, hypoventilation, and respiratory distress from bronchial blockage.
• The most common extracutaneous sites are the lungs and GI tract (esophagus, oropharynx, and epiglottis).