Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a cancer that causes patches of abnormal tissue to grow under the skin, in the lining of the mouth, nose, and throat, in lymph nodes, or in other organs.
These patches, or lesions, are usually red or purple
Diagnosis:
To determine if a suspicious-looking skin lesion is Kaposi’s sarcoma, the doctor will need to perform a biopsy, which involves removing a small piece of tissue for examination in a laboratory.
Tests to diagnose internal Kaposi’s sarcoma include: Fecal occult blood test.
Symptoms
Slightly elevated purple, pink, brown, or red blotches or bumps anywhere on the skin or in the mouth and/or throat.
Lymphedema, which is swelling caused by a blockage of the lymphatic system.
Unexplained cough or chest pain.
Unexplained stomach or intestinal pain.
Causes
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).
The virus is thought to be spread during sex, through blood or saliva, or from a mother to her baby during birth.
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