Kaposi's sarcoma facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kaposi's sarcoma, multiple haemorrhagic sarcoma
Synonyms	Kaposi sarcoma
Kaposi sarcoma. Characteristic purple lesions on the nose in a person with a weakened immune system.
Symptoms	Purple colored skin lesions
Types	Classic, endemic, immunosuppression therapy-related, epidemic
Risk factors	Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8), poor immune function
Diagnostic method	Tissue biopsy, medical imaging
Similar conditions	Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome, pyogenic granuloma, melanocytic nevi, melanoma
Treatment	Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biologic therapy
Frequency	42,000 (new cases, 2018)
Deaths	20,000 (2018)

Kaposi's sarcoma (often called KS) is a type of cancer. It can cause unusual growths or masses to form in different parts of the body. These growths are often seen on the skin, but they can also appear in lymph nodes or other organs.

The growths on the skin usually look purple or brownish. They can be flat or raised. Sometimes there is just one growth, or they can be spread out over a larger area of the body.

What is Kaposi's Sarcoma?

Kaposi's sarcoma is a type of cancer that starts in the cells that line blood vessels or lymphatic vessels. These vessels are like tiny tubes that carry blood and lymph fluid around your body. When these cells become cancerous, they can grow into tumors.

What Causes KS?

Kaposi's sarcoma is caused by a specific virus called Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8). This virus is also known as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). Not everyone who has the HHV8 virus will get KS. It usually happens when a person's immune system is weak.

Who Gets KS?

KS is more common in people whose immune systems are not working well. This can happen for different reasons. For example, people who have certain medical conditions or who take medicines that weaken their immune system might be at higher risk.

How is KS Diagnosed?

To find out if someone has Kaposi's sarcoma, doctors usually do a tissue biopsy. This means they take a small sample of the affected skin or tissue. Then, they look at it very closely under a microscope. This helps them see if there are cancer cells. Doctors might also use medical imaging tests, like scans, to see if the cancer has spread inside the body.

How is KS Treated?

The treatment for Kaposi's sarcoma depends on where the growths are and how much they have spread. Some common treatments include:

• Surgery: To remove the growths.
• Chemotherapy: Using special medicines to kill cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy: Using high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells.
• Biologic therapy: Using treatments that help your body's immune system fight the cancer.

Images for kids

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  Micrograph of a Kaposi sarcoma showing the characteristic spindle cells, high vascularity, and intracellular hyaline globs. H&E stain.

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  Micrograph of promontory sign in Kaposi's sarcoma in patch stage. Dilated irregular vascular channels surround a pre-existing vessel.

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  Micrograph of plaque stage, with bizarre vessels dissecting the upper dermis. There is erythrocyte extravasation and hemosiderin pigmentation.

See also

In Spanish: Sarcoma de Kaposi para niños