What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• AIDS-Associated Kaposi Sarcoma
• AIDS-Associated KS
• AIDS-Related KS

What is AIDS-Related Kaposi Sarcoma? (Definition/Background Information)

• Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) is a malignant tumor that is associated with human herpes viral infection (called HHV8 infection)
• It manifests as a skin condition with lesions and purple red patches; mainly on the legs, hands, and face. But, it can also affect the lymph nodes, vital organs, and mucous membranes lining the respiratory and digestive system leading to life-threatening situations
• KS is often linked to HIV-infected individuals. Nevertheless, any individual with a weak immune system, have a risk of being infected by the condition
• There are 4 types of Kaposi Sarcoma and these include:
  • Classic Indolent KS
  • African Endemic KS
  • Iatrogenic KS
  • AIDS-Related KS
• AIDS-Related Kaposi Sarcoma is the most aggressive form of the disease that can affect any region of the body, such as the face, head, and neck region. Even several internal organs may be affected
• The treatment of choice for AIDS-Related KS is the highly-active antiretroviral therapy (or HAART), which has helped in considerably bringing down the mortality rate associated with this form. Nevertheless, despite treatment, the prognosis remains guarded

Who gets AIDS-Related Kaposi Sarcoma? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Any individual who is infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may develop Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and be at risk for AIDS-Related Kaposi Sarcoma
• AIDS is more common in younger adults than other age groups due to their risky behaviors such as multiple partners, usage of injectable drugs, etc.
• Children are usually infected from an infected mother, during pregnancy or after childbirth

What are the Risk Factors for AIDS-Related Kaposi Sarcoma? (Predisposing Factors)

Risk factors for AIDS-Related Kaposi Sarcoma include the following:

• Any individual with AIDS or HIV infection, especially homosexual and bisexual men (young adults)
• Unprotected sexual contact with infected individuals
• Infected blood transfusions, sharing contaminated needles, etc.

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of AIDS-Related Kaposi Sarcoma? (Etiology)

• Kaposi Sarcoma is caused by a complex interaction of the human herpes virus (HHV8), certain genetic factors, a weak immune system, and disease-conducive environmental conditions
• Medical research has not established the exact mechanism of AIDS-Related Kaposi Sarcoma formation, even though this form specifically affects individuals with AIDS

What are the Signs and Symptoms of AIDS-Related Kaposi Sarcoma?

The signs and symptoms of AIDS-Related Kaposi Sarcoma may include:

• The lesions may form on any part of the body - particularly on the head and neck region, oral cavity (mucosal membranes of the mouth), face, arms, legs, face, and groin; they are mostly painless and non-itchy
• Due to the fact that blood vessels are severely affected, the skin appearance is purple red in color
• If the skin is affected, then KS may be manifested as a mass on the skin, which may bleed and ulcerate
• If the mouth or oral cavity is affected, then there may be difficulty in chewing, swallowing, and speaking
• Vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss may occur if the gastrointestinal tract is involved
• Breathing difficulty, cough, blood in sputum, and fever may be an indication that the lungs are infected
• Lymph nodes, tissues, and internal organs (such as gastrointestinal tract) may be affected

How is AIDS-Related Kaposi Sarcoma Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of AIDS-Related Kaposi Sarcoma is made by:

• Complete physical examination and thorough evaluation of individual’s medical history
• Blood tests including complete blood count (CBC) and tests to detect antibodies against the virus
• CT scan of the affected regions
• Bronchoscopy, if lung is affected
• GI endoscopy, since the gastrointestinal tract is involved
• Skin or lymph node biopsy: A skin or lymph node biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis
• A differential diagnosis may be used to eliminate other tumor types

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of AIDS-Related Kaposi Sarcoma?

The possible complications due to AIDS-Related Kaposi Sarcoma are:

• Metastasis of KS to other vital body organs; the entire body could be affected leading to fatal consequences
• KS can recur, even after the full treatment course is completed
• Lung complications, with shortness of breath and bloody coughs
• If the skin lesions are visible, then they may present cosmetic issues in individuals
• Secondary bacterial or fungal skin infections may develop if the lesions ulcerate and bleed
• Damage to vital nerves, blood vessels, and surrounding structures during surgery to remove the tumors

How is AIDS-Related Kaposi Sarcoma Treated?

There is no definitive cure for Kaposi Sarcoma, since it is caused by a virus (HHV8); the signs and symptoms can only be controlled. The treatment depends upon the location and extent of spread of the tumors. A combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and invasive procedures are used to treat KS.

The commonly used therapy for AIDS-Associated Kaposi Sarcoma is called ‘highly-active antiretroviral therapy’ (HAART), which has been shown to considerably improve the condition.

• HAART can help prevent new lesions and decrease the size of the existing lesions. In some individuals, HAART therapy can even eliminate the lesions
• Localized Kaposi Sarcoma is usually removed through surgical excisions; for KS involving several different parts of the body, chemotherapy and immunotherapy may be employed
• If the lesions are confined to a localized area, then radiation therapy or cryotherapy may also be useful
• Post-operative care is important: One must maintain minimum activity levels, until the surgical wound heals
• Post-operative follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important, especially to monitor for any recurrences

How can AIDS-Related Kaposi Sarcoma be Prevented?

AIDS-Related Kaposi Sarcoma may be prevented by considering the following:

• Adhering to safe sexual practices and avoiding multiple partners
• Providing education about avoiding high-risk behavior that can result in HIV infection
• Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with blood tests, scans, and physical examinations are mandatory for those who have already endured the tumor; due to both its metastasizing potential and chances of recurrence. Often several years of active vigilance is necessary

What is the Prognosis of AIDS-Related Kaposi Sarcoma? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

Prognosis of AIDS-Related Kaposi Sarcoma is guarded with treatment and depends upon many factors, especially the health of the individual. Without treatment, the condition is fatal.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for AIDS-Related Kaposi Sarcoma:

The 4 different types of Kaposi Sarcoma are known to affect 4 diverse (ethnic) groups of people; unlike other forms of cancer that affect different cells or organs, in the same individual. This particular trait of KS remains medically unexplained.