Kaposi sarcoma (in AIDS):
Important points to remember about Kaposi Sarcoma
Clinical Features
- It is the most common malignancy in AIDS.
- It is associated with the infection with a virus called the Kaposi sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV), also known as human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8).
- The commonly affected sites are palate, gingiva, tongue, and oropharynx or the skin of the face and feet.
- It is seen early in the course of the disease. It can sometimes be confused with Bacillary angiomatosis.
- There is a specific histologic stain for Kaposi sarcoma known as Warthin-Starry stain.
- With the use of HAART, incidence of KS is decreasing and soon NHL may become the most common malignancy associated with AIDS.