Kaposi sarcoma

Tumour of the reticuloendothelial system

Appears as a cutaneous neovascular lesion – painful, raised, bleeding papule or ulcer, with blueish discolouration.

Histologically – endoproliferative proliferation and spindle cell formation

1. Classic Kaposi sarcoma – non immunosuppressed patients – usually indolent
2. Immunosuppression related – in those on immunosuppressive treatment, often reverses with dose reduction or agent modification
3. African Kaposi sarcoma – often in young men and may be either indolent or aggressive
4. HIV related or epidemic
   1. Linked to human herpesvirus 8

Classic and immunosuppression related tumours should be treated – localised excision or EBRT effective (after trial of immunosuppression modification).

AIDS – 7000 x increased risk.