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Kaposi's sarcoma

Kaposi's sarcoma is a cancer of the walls of the blood vessels or lymphatic system; it may also affect other body tissues, including the throat, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. It usually appears as pink to purple spots or bumps on the skin.

Although Kaposi's sarcoma is rare, it is more common in people who have impaired immune systems, such as people who have HIV infection or AIDS. In the past, the disease mostly affected older people of Mediterranean descent.

Kaposi's sarcoma may be treated with radiation or chemotherapy.

Author Jeannette Curtis
Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Last Updated May 25, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 25, 2007
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