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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Sarcoma
A sarcoma is a rare kind of cancer that grows in connective tissue -- cells that connect or support other kinds of tissue in your body. WebMD explains the symptoms, causes, and treatment.
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HIV Symptoms
HIV infection happens in three stages. Without treatment, it will get worse over time and eventually overwhelm your immune system.
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What Is HIV?
Get the basics on AIDS/HIV from the experts at WebMD.
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How CD4 Counts Help Treat HIV
The CD4 count is a test that measures how strong your immune system is. Find out how it helps your doctor make HIV and AIDS treatment decisions.
Features
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AIDS in U.S. Marches On
The U.S. had some 40,000 new HIV infections in 2001. That's when the CDC set a goal of cutting this number in half by 2005. As of 2004, the estimated annual number of HIV infections is still 40,000.
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HIV/AIDS and Mental Health
People with HIV or AIDS are more likely to have mental health problems. Why? What can be done to help?
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A Man with HIV
What is it like to live with HIV infection? A young man tells WebMD his story.
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A Woman with HIV
What is it like to live with HIV infection? A young woman tells WebMD her story.
Slideshows & Images
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A Pictorial Timeline of the HIV/AIDS Pandemic
A historical overview of the AIDS pandemic from the first human case to the present.
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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.
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Picture of Less Common Skin Cancers
Uncommon types of skin cancer include Kaposi's sarcoma, mainly seen in people with weakened immune systems.