Sarcoma, Kaposi's
There are four main types of Kaposi's sarcoma. These types affect different groups of people and are treated in different ways.
Although it's not as common as it used to be, Kaposi's sarcoma is still one of the main types of cancer to affect people with HIV.
HIV-related Kaposi's sarcoma can progress very quickly if not treated. However, it can usually be controlled by taking HIV medication known as combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) to prevent HIV multiplying and allow the immune system to recover. The immune system can then reduce the levels of HHV-8 in the body.
Ashkenazi Jews are descended from Jewish communities that lived in central and eastern Europe. Most Jewish people inthe UKare Ashkenazi Jews.
It's thought people who develop classic Kaposi's sarcoma were born with a genetic vulnerability to the HHV-8 virus.
Unlike the other types of Kaposi's sarcoma,the symptoms of classic Kaposi's sarcoma progress very slowly over many years and are usuallylimited to the skin.
Immediate treatment isn't usually required because, in many cases, the condition doesn't affectlife expectancy. You'll usually be monitored carefully and only treated if the symptoms get significantly worse.
Radiotherapy isoften used if treatment is required, although smallskin patches or nodules may be removed using minor surgery or cryotherapy (freezing).
Transplant-related Kaposi's sarcoma is a rare complication of an organ transplant .It occurs because the immunosuppressant medication used to weaken the immune system and help prevent the body rejecting the new organ can allow a previous HHV-8 infection to reactivate, which means levels of the virus increase as it starts multiplying again.
Transplant-related Kaposi's sarcoma can be aggressive and usually needs to be treated quickly. It'snormally treated by reducing or stopping the immunosuppressants, if this is possible. If this is unsuccessful, radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be used.
Endemic African Kaposi's sarcoma is common in parts of Africa and is one of the most widespread types of cancer in that region.
Although this type of Kaposi's sarcoma is classified separately from HIV-related Kaposi's sarcoma, many cases may actually result from an undiagnosed HIV infection. All suspected cases thereforemust have an HIV test, as the most effective treatment in these cases is HIV medication.
In cases not caused by HIV infection, this type of Kaposi's sarcoma may be the result of a genetic vulnerability to HHV-8. These cases are usually treated with chemotherapy, although sometimes radiotherapy may be used.
Kaposi's sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that can affect the skin and internal organs. It's mainly seen in people with a poorly controlled or severe HIV and AIDS infection.
The most common initial symptom is the appearance of small, painless, flat and discoloured patches on the skin or inside the mouth. They're usually red or purple and look similar to bruises. Over time
You should see your GP if you have any worrying symptoms you think could be caused by Kaposi's sarcoma.If you have HIV, you can also contact your local HIV clinic if you have any concerns. Your doctor
Kaposi's sarcoma is caused by a virus called the human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), also known as the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). This virus is thought to bespread during sex, through sa
There are four main types of Kaposi's sarcoma. These types affect different groups of people and are treated in different ways. HIV-related Kaposi's sarcoma Although it's not as common as it used to b
With proper treatment, Kaposi's sarcoma can usually be controlled for many years. Deaths from the condition are uncommon in the UK. The discoloured patches of skin will often shrink and fade with trea