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| ==Overview== | | ==Overview== |
| Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a tumor caused by [[Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus|Human herpesvirus 8]] (HHV8), also known as [[Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus]] (KSHV). Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is a systemic disease that can present with [[cutaneous]] lesions with or without internal involvement.
| | ==Historical Perspective== |
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| ==Classification== | | ==Classification== |
| Four subtypes have been described: Classic KS, affecting middle aged men of Mediterranean and Jewish descent; African endemic KS; KS in [[iatrogenic]]ally [[immunosuppressed]] patients; and AIDS-related KS.
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| ==Pathophysiology== | | ==Pathophysiology== |
| The [[erythema]]tous to violaceous cutaneous lesions seen in KS have several morphologies: [[macular]], patch, [[plaque]], [[nodular]], and [[exophytic]]. The cutaneous lesions can be solitary, localized or disseminated. KS can involve the [[oral cavity]], [[lymph node]]s, and [[viscera]]. Classic KS tends to be [[indolent]], presenting with erythematous or violaceous patches on the lower extremities. African [[endemic]] KS and AIDS-related KS tend to be more aggressive. The AIDS-related KS lesions often rapidly progress to plaques and nodules affecting the upper trunk, face, and oral [[mucosa]].
| | ==Causes== |
| | | ==Differentiating Kaposi's sarcoma from other Diseases== |
| | ==Epidemiology and Demographics== |
| | ==Risk Factors== |
| | ==Screening== |
| | ==Natural History, Complications and Prognosis== |
| ==Diagnosis== | | ==Diagnosis== |
| | ===Staging=== |
| | ===History and Symptoms=== |
| | ===Physical Examination=== |
| ===Laboratory Findings=== | | ===Laboratory Findings=== |
| Although KS may be suspected from the appearance of lesions and the patient's risk factors, a definite diagnosis can only be made by [[biopsy]] and microscopic examination, which will show the presence of spindle cells. Detection of the [[viral]] protein [[LANA]] in [[tumor]] cells confirms the diagnosis.
| | ===Chest X-Ray=== |
| | | ===CT Scan=== |
| | ===Other Imaging Findings=== |
| | ===Other Diagnostic Studies=== |
| ==Treatment== | | ==Treatment== |
| ===Medical Therapy=== | | ===Medical Therapy=== |
| Once the diagnosis of KS has been made, treatment is based on the subtype and the presence of localized versus systemic disease. Localized cutaneous disease can be treated with [[cryotherapy]], intralesional injections of [[vinblastine]], [[alitretinoin]] gel, [[radiotherapy]], [[topical]] [[immunotherapy]] ([[imiquimod]]). Extensive cutaneous disease and/or internal disease may require IV [[chemotherapy]] and immunotherapy. Discontinuation or reduction of immunosuppressive therapy is recommended when KS arises in the setting of iatrogenic immunosuppression. However, with AIDS-related KS, [[HAART]] has been shown to prevent, or induce [[regression]] of, KS. Some AIDS patients have complete [[resolution]] of the lesions and prolonged remission while continuing the therapy. Therefore, HAART should be considered first-line treatment for these patients, though they may require other concomitant treatments.
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| ===Surgery=== | | ===Surgery=== |
| Surgical [[excision]] of the lesion is an option.
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| ==References== | | ==References== |
| {{Reflist|2}} | | {{Reflist|2}} |