Kaposi's sarcoma

Last reviewed: March 2020

Last updated: December 2019

Summary

A low-grade vasoformative neoplasm that is associated with human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8, also known as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus [KSHV]) infection.

There are 4 main subtypes of Kaposi's sarcoma: epidemic AIDS-related; classic sporadic; iatrogenic and transplant-associated; and African endemic.

Patients may present with multifocal cutaneous lesions, mucosal lesions, or lymph node or visceral involvement.

Therapy is given for symptom palliation, to prevent disease progression, and for cosmetic reasons.

Definition

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a low-grade vasoformative neoplasm associated with human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8, also known as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus [KSHV]) infection.[1] Lesions frequently involve mucocutaneous sites, but may become more extensive to involve the lymph nodes and visceral organs. Skin lesions evolve from an early patch, to a plaque, and later to ulcerating tumour nodules.

History and exam

Key diagnostic factors

presence of risk factors
age >50 years
male sex
geographic location: sub-Saharan Africa or the Mediterranean
HIV infection
HHV-8 (also known as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus [KSHV]) infection
immunosuppression
skin lesion
oral lesion
lymphadenopathy
lymphoedema

More key diagnostic factors

Other diagnostic factors

weight loss
abdominal pain
GI bleeding
diarrhoea
dyspnoea
haemoptysis
chest pain
fever

Other diagnostic factors

Risk factors

male sex
HIV infection
drug abuse
immunosuppression therapy
transplantation
human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8, also known as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus [KSHV]) infection
central African ethnicity (Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Swaziland)
Jewish ethnicity
Mediterranean ethnicity
age <5 years or >50 years

More risk factors