Kaposi's Sarcoma Directory
Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a type of cancer that develops in connective tissues like bone, cartilage, fat, blood vessels, and muscle tissues. For decades, Kaposi's sarcoma was considered a rare disease; however, in the last 20 years, with the onset of HIV/AIDS, more people are being diagnosed with KS. The disease usually causes tumors to form in the tissues below the skin, which appear as raised blotches or lumps that may be purple, brown or red. Researchers believe a type of herpes virus causes HIV-related KS. The herpes virus is usually dormant in healthy individuals. However, people with compromised immune systems, including people with HIV/AIDS, may develop KS as a result of the infection. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how Kaposi's sarcoma is contracted, what it looks like, how to treat it, and much more.
Medical Reference
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Picture of Kaposi’s Sarcoma Ecchymotic
Kaposi’s sarcoma. Ecchymotic purple-brownish macule and a 1-cm nodule on the dorsum of the hand of a 65-year-old male of Ashkenazi-Jewish extraction. The lesion was originally mistaken for a bruise as were similar lesions on the feet and on the other hand. The appearance of brownish nodules together with additional macules prompted a referral of this otherwise completely healthy patient to a dermatologist who diagnosed Kaposi's sarcoma, which was verified by biopsy. Note also onychomycosis of all fingernails.