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Kaposi sarcoma

 

Kaposi sarcoma (in AIDS):

Important points to remember about Kaposi Sarcoma

Kaposi's sarcoma is a type of cancer that forms in the lining of blood and lymph vessels.

Kaposi's sarcoma or oral cavity

Kaposi's sarcoma of the skin


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.