Kaposi Sarcoma

Kaposi sarcoma (multiple idiopathic hemorrhagic sarcoma) is the most common malignancy in AIDS patients; a multicentric vascular tumor. Rare; >50y males; also common in AIDS. Early: colored papules/plaques on extremities; gradually progress to large plaques/nodules with marked local edema and visceral damage. Radiosensitive; can combine surgery/chemo.

Common Symptoms

Ulcer pain; macule; oral mucosal ulcer; osteoporosis; perinasal/upper-lip lesions; conjunctival edema/corneal ulcer; pruritus; pharyngeal ulcer

Causes and Pathogenesis

(1) Etiology: classic/transplant-related KS uses workup set A; high-risk/HIV+ or AIDS-type KS uses sets A+B+C. Unknown; likely related to: genetic susceptibility; geographic/environmental (cold); endocrine; viral (CMV found in all types); cellular immune deficiency (AIDS KS from HIV CD4 destruction). (2) Mechanism: HHV-8 herpesvirus-like DNA sequences isolated from AIDS-related, African endemic, Mediterranean KS, strongly implicating HHV-8. Tumor = intersecting spindle cells + reticulin/collagen vascular structures; spindle nuclei vary in size/shape. Early: granulation tissue with endothelial cells protruding into vascular lumina, extravasated RBCs/hemosiderin. Late: widespread connective tissue proliferation, hard to distinguish from ordinary sarcoma. Histology: regular slit-like spaces lined by elongated mildly atypical cells; RBCs/hemosiderin-laden macrophages in slits; spindle cells with large irregular atypical nuclei.

Treatment

Drug, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

Long-term immunosuppressant use (transplant/other disease): monitor for KS. History of STD, women pre-pregnancy, high-risk groups: test for HIV antibodies.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Medical Oncology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.