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Kaposi Sarcoma

Multifocal Vascular Tumor Caused by Human Herpesvirus 8

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Onkoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Kaposi Sarcoma?

Kaposi sarcoma is a low-grade vascular tumor caused by human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8, also called Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, KSHV).

Four clinical-epidemiologic forms exist: classic (elderly Mediterranean/Eastern European men), endemic (sub-Saharan Africa), iatrogenic (transplant immunosuppression), and AIDS-related (HIV-positive individuals).

Histopathology shows spindle cell proliferation, abnormal vascular channels, extravasated red blood cells, and HHV-8 latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) positivity.

Symptoms

Cutaneous lesions: pink, red, purple, or brown patches, plaques, and nodules — often on lower extremities, face, and genitalia
Oral cavity involvement (palate, gingiva) common in HIV-related disease
Lymphedema, especially of lower limbs, from lymphatic obstruction
Pulmonary KS: dyspnea, cough, hemoptysis, hypoxemia
Gastrointestinal KS: bleeding, abdominal pain, obstruction (often asymptomatic)
Lymphadenopathy, particularly in endemic forms

Risk Factors

HIV infection with low CD4 count
Solid organ transplantation with immunosuppression
Mediterranean, Eastern European, or African ancestry (HHV-8 endemic regions)
Men who have sex with men (higher HHV-8 seroprevalence)
Older age (classic form)
Cellular immunity defects from chemotherapy or chronic disease

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • New violaceous skin lesions in HIV-positive patient or transplant recipient
  • Persistent lymphedema with skin discoloration
  • Oral mucosal purple plaques
  • Unexplained pulmonary infiltrates or hemoptysis in immunocompromised host
  • Suspicious skin lesions in elderly Mediterranean men

Treatment Methods

01
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for AIDS-related KS — frequently induces remission
02
Reduction of immunosuppression in transplant patients (switch to mTOR inhibitor sirolimus)
03
Local therapy: cryotherapy, intralesional vinblastine, topical alitretinoin, radiation
04
Systemic chemotherapy: liposomal doxorubicin or paclitaxel for visceral or extensive disease
05
Pomalidomide for refractory or symptomatic disease
06
Interferon-alpha in selected cases
07
Multidisciplinary management with infectious disease, oncology, and dermatology
08
HHV-8 viral load monitoring not routinely used clinically

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Onkoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.