The Kaposi sarcoma is a cancer that affects cells that line blood vessels and lymphatic vessels in the body. The virus that causes kaposi sarcoma is called human herpesvirus 8, also known as Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV), which causes lesions or tumors on the skin, mouth, or other parts of the body. HHV-8 does not always lead to kaposi sarcoma, however. Kaposi sarcoma is more likely to develop in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients, or older people.
It is unclear whether HHV-8 interacts with the immune system to cause kaposi sarcoma. The endothelial cells in blood vessels and lymphatic vessels can be infected by HHV-8, which causes them to grow faster and live longer than they should. As a result, lesions or tumors can form on the skin, mouth, or other organs.
A person who has HHV-8 may contract the disease through sexual contact, saliva, blood, or organ transplant. If their immune system is compromised by another condition, such as HIV/AIDS, organ transplantation, or aging, most people with HHV-8 do not develop kaposi sarcoma. When these conditions occur, the immune system may have a hard time controlling infection and preventing abnormal cell growth.
The symptoms of kaposi sarcoma depend on the type and location of the lesions or tumors. There are four main types of kaposi sarcoma:
The most common type of kaposi sarcoma in the United States is epidemic or AIDS-related kaposi sarcoma. The disease occurs in people with HIV/AIDS and HHV-8. It can cause skin, mouth, or lungs, livers, and digestive tract lesions or tumors. It can cause pain, bleeding, swelling, or difficulty breathing or swallowing. The lesions or tumors are usually purple, red, or brown, and may be flat or raised. They can cause breathing or swallowing difficulties.
Classical or Mediterranean kaposi sarcoma: This is a rare form of kaposi sarcoma that affects mostly older men of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, or Eastern European descent. Lesions or tumors can form on the lower legs, feet, ankles, as well as on the hands, arms, or face. There are usually slow-growing lesions and tumors that are not spread throughout the body. They are usually purple, red, or brown, and may be flat or nodular. They can cause pain, swelling, or ulcers.
African kaposi sarcoma or epidemic kaposi sarcoma: It is a cancer which affects equatorial Africans. It can cause lesions or tumors on the skin, mouth, or other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, bones, or spleen. Usually, the lesion or tumor is aggressive and can spread to other parts of the body. It can be nodular, flat, or purple in color. It can cause pain, bleeding, swelling, or fever.
This type of kaposi sarcoma is caused by taking immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection after receiving an organ or bone marrow transplant. Lesions or tumors can appear on the skin, mouth, or other parts of the body, including the lungs, liver, or kidneys. Lesions or tumors are usually purple, red, or brown and can be flat or raised. Pain, bleeding, swelling, or organ failure can occur as a result.
In order to diagnose kaposi sarcoma, a doctor will examine the patient, ask about the patient's medical history, and order several tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type and extent of the condition.
Blood tests: To check for signs of infection, inflammation, anemia, or immune system function.
Skin biopsy: To take a small sample of the skin lesion or tumor and examine it under a microscope for signs of cancer cells.
Oral biopsy: To take a small sample of the mouth lesion or tumor and examine it under a microscope for signs of cancer cells.
Imaging tests: To take pictures of the internal organs and tissues, and look for signs of lesions or tumors. The most common imaging tests are X-rays, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, or positron emission tomography (PET) scan.
Endoscopy: To insert a thin, flexible tube with a light and a camera into the mouth, throat, or digestive tract, and look for signs of lesions or tumors.
Bronchoscopy: To insert a thin, flexible tube with a light and a camera into the nose, throat, or lungs, and look for signs of lesions or tumors.
Lymph node biopsy: To take a small sample of the lymph node and examine it under a microscope for signs of cancer cells.
Depending on the type, location, and severity of the lesions or tumors, as well as the general health and preferences of the patient, kaposi sarcoma treatment is different. Treatment aims to control the symptoms, prevent or limit the spread of the disease, and improve quality of life. The main treatment options include:
In epidemic or AIDS-related kaposi sarcoma patients, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the main treatment. The combination of drugs that suppress the HIV virus and boost the immune system is known as ART. With ART, lesions or tumors can shrink or stop growing, and opportunistic infections can be prevented or treated.
Chemotherapy: This is the use of drugs that can kill or stop the growth of cancer cells. Symptoms can be relieved through chemotherapy, which can shrink or stop the growth of lesions or tumors, as well as relieve the pain. However, chemotherapy can also cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, or infection.
The goal of immunotherapy is to stimulate or restore the immune system to fight cancer cells by using drugs. An injection or an infusion can be used to deliver immunotherapy. In addition to shrinking or stopping the growth of lesions and tumors, immunotherapy can also cause side effects, including fever, chills, rash, or allergic reactions.
In radiation therapy, high-energy rays or particles are used to destroy or damage cancer cells. It can be administered externally or internally. Radiation therapy can help to shrink or stop the growth of lesions and tumors, as well as relieve the symptoms. However, radiation therapy can also cause side effects, including skin irritation, fatigue, and infection.
By removing the lesion or tumor with a scalpel, laser, or cryotherapy, surgery can improve appearance or function, as well as relieve symptoms. However, surgery can also cause pain, bleeding, scarring, or infection as well as side effects.
There is no sure way to prevent kaposi sarcoma, but some measures may help to reduce the risk or severity of the condition, such as:
HIV infection can be prevented or treated by practicing safe sex, using condoms, getting tested regularly, and taking antiretroviral drugs if infected.
If you avoid contact with saliva, blood, or sexual fluids of people who have HHV-8 infection, you can prevent or treat HHV-8 infection, which leads to kaposi sarcoma. Infection with HHV-8 does not have a specific treatment, but antiviral drugs can reduce the viral load and the risk of kaposi sarcoma.
Getting rid of or reducing immunosuppression: It is possible to restore the immune system and the ability to fight cancer cells by avoiding or reducing the use of immunosuppressive drugs, such as those used after organ or bone marrow transplantation. However, stopping or changing the immunosuppressive drugs may increase the risk of organ rejection or graft-versus-host disease, so you should consult your doctor.
A healthy lifestyle includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, managing stress, and getting enough sleep. These activities can help improve overall health and well-being and reduce the risk of diseases like Kaposi sarcoma.
