Kaposi's
Sarcoma
Kaposi's Sarcoma is a malignant tumor
frequently associated with AIDS. It mainly involves the
skin. Human
herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) is
associated with development of Kaposi's Sarcoma.
Before the AIDS epidemic, Kaposi's sarcoma was seen
primarily in elderly Italian and Jewish men and developed
slowly in these people.
In AIDS patients, it can develop
aggressively and often involves the skin, lungs,
gastrointestinal tract and other organs.
It is more frequently associated with
AIDS in homosexual men than AIDS in IV drug users. The
malignancy results in purplish
grape-like lesions in the skin,
gastrointestinal tract and other organs.
Symptoms associated with Kaposi's
Sarcoma in the gastrointestinal lesions is bleeding. With
lesions in the lungs it may cause shortness of breath and
bloody sputum.
The appearance of Kaposi's sarcoma is a poor
prognostic sign for individuals with AIDS.
Treatment depends on the site and extent of the
lesions. Radiation therapy or cryotherapy can be used in
selected cases. Lesions can recur after treatment.
Cancer
causing Virus can be spread by Kissing
 
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