Kaposi’s Sarcoma
Kaposi's Sarcoma: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Future Outlook.: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Future Outlook.
Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Content is sourced from third parties, and we do not guarantee accuracy or accept any liability for its use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical guidance.
What is Kaposi’s Sarcoma?
Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is a vascular tumor caused by HHV-8, affecting skin, mucous membranes, lymph nodes, organs. Types: classic (elderly Mediterranean men), endemic (African), iatrogenic (immunosuppressed), and AIDS-related (most common). In 2025, rare in developed countries due to HAART, but prevalent in HIV+.
Symptoms
Symptoms include red/purple skin lesions (macules, plaques, nodules), swelling (lymphedema), oral lesions, cough/breathlessness (lung), GI bleeding. Asymptomatic early. In 2025, symptoms in HIV+ prompt testing.
Causes
HHV-8 infection is primary, with cofactors like HIV (AIDS-KS), immunosuppression (transplants). Classic KS links to age/ethnicity. In 2025, immune activation is key.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis uses biopsy (spindle cells, HHV-8 LANA+), imaging for internal involvement, CD4 count in HIV+. Staging by AIDS Clinical Trials Group. In 2025, PCR detects HHV-8.
Treatment
AIDS-KS uses HAART + chemo (liposomal doxorubicin). Localised: radiation, cryotherapy. Advanced: chemo, immunotherapy. In 2025, targeted (imatinib) for PDGFRA.
Future Outlook
In 2025, 5-year survival is 75%, higher with HAART (83-84%). Early treatment cures localised. By 2030, HHV-8 vaccines could prevent KS.
Sources
The information for Kaposi’s sarcoma is sourced from Cleveland Clinic’s “Kaposi Sarcoma: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment” for treatment; Mayo Clinic’s “Kaposi sarcoma – Symptoms and causes” for symptoms; Johns Hopkins’s “Kaposi Sarcoma | Johns Hopkins Medicine” for prognosis; NCBI’s “Kaposi Sarcoma – StatPearls” for stages; Cancer Therapy Advisor’s “Kaposi Sarcoma | Diagnosis & Disease Information” for diagnosis; NCI’s “Kaposi Sarcoma Treatment” for treatment; VCU’s “Kaposi’s Sarcoma Treatment | VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center” for management; NHS inform’s “Kaposi’s sarcoma | NHS inform” for overview; PMC’s “Diagnosis and Treatment of Kaposi Sarcoma” for diagnosis; Medical News Today’s “Kaposi’s sarcoma: Causes, symptoms, and treatment” for causes.