Kaposi’s Sarcoma – Symptoms and Causes
Understanding Kaposi Sarcoma
Kaposi sarcoma develops in the lining of blood and lymph vessels. This cancer creates growths called lesions that appear on the skin. These lesions vary in color from pink to red, purple, or brown.
They can also form in the mouth, genitals, and in severe cases, affect the digestive tract and lungs.
The root cause of Kaposi sarcoma is infection with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). In people with healthy immune systems, this virus typically causes no symptoms because the body can control it.
However, those with weakened immune systems may develop Kaposi sarcoma when infected with HHV-8.
Kaposi sarcoma appears in four distinct types:
- AIDS-Related Kaposi sarcoma: Occurs in individuals infected with HIV.
- Transplant-Associated Kaposi sarcoma: Develops in organ transplant recipients taking immune-suppressing medications.
- Classic Kaposi sarcoma: Affects older adults of Eastern European, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern heritage, typically progressing slowly and causing swelling in areas like the legs.
- Endemic Kaposi sarcoma: Found in young people in Africa, with variable growth rates ranging from slow skin progression to rapid internal spread.
The appearance and severity of symptoms vary based on the type of Kaposi sarcoma and an individual’s immune status.
Signs and Symptoms
Kaposi sarcoma typically shows up as skin growths that can be either raised or flat. These growths, called lesions, appear in red, purple, or brown colors.
They most commonly develop on the face, arms, or legs and usually don’t cause pain.
Without treatment, these lesions may grow larger and lead to:
- Swelling in the lower legs due to blood flow issues
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Skin that looks red or purple, sometimes with itching and pain
Kaposi sarcoma can also affect internal parts of the body that aren’t visible. When it develops in the digestive tract, it may cause several problems:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
The disease can also affect the lungs, which causes different symptoms.
When To Contact a Healthcare Provider
If you notice any unusual skin growths, changes in color, or experience any symptoms that concern you, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Causes
The main cause of Kaposi sarcoma is human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). This virus typically spreads through:
- Saliva contact between people
- Blood transmission in some cases
Most people with healthy immune systems can control HHV-8 after infection. The virus remains dormant in their body without causing health problems.
However, when the immune system weakens, the virus may become active again. This reactivation can trigger the development of Kaposi sarcoma.
The relationship between immune function and HHV-8 explains why people with compromised immune systems face higher risks of developing this condition.
Risk Factors
Several factors increase the chance of developing Kaposi sarcoma:
- HIV Infection: The virus that causes AIDS makes people more susceptible to Kaposi sarcoma.
- Age: While possible at any age, this condition appears most frequently in adults between 50-70 years old.
- Geographic Location: Cases are uncommon in the United States but occur more often in the Mediterranean region, Eastern Europe, and sub-Saharan Africa.
- Immune-suppressing medications: Drugs that weaken the immune system, often prescribed after organ transplants, can also increase risk.
These risk factors mainly relate to conditions or situations that compromise immune function, allowing the disease to develop more easily.
