Kaposi's

Sarcoma
WHAT IS KAPOSI SARCOMA?
Kaposi sarcoma is a malignancy of
endothelial cells that line the
small blood vessels.
It is manifested clinically by
lesions of the skin, oral cavity,
gastrointestinal tract, and lungs
Subdivided into four categories.
Classic Kaposi sarcoma
occurs predominantly in older adult men of
Mediterranean or Jewish ancestry.
Progressively slow-growing multiple red-to-
purple nodules or plaque on the lower limbs.
Classic Kaposi sarcoma is chronic, relatively
benign, and rarely fatal.
Endemic (African) KS
affects people predominantly in the eastern
half of Africa near equator.
Men are affected more often than women
Children can be affected as well
May resemble classic KS or may infiltrate and
progress to lymphadenopathic form.
Iatrogenic/organ transplant-
associated KS
occurs in transplant recipients
patient receiving long-term
immunosuppressants
AIDS-related or
epidemic KS
occurs in people with AIDS
Multiple cutaneous lesions are
typically present, often involving the
face and trunk. Mucosal, lymph
node, and gastrointestinal (GI)
involvement is common\
HIV positive patients and most
aggressive and variant
Risk factors
Ethnicity
Gender
Human herpesvirus 8
Immune deficiency
Sexual activity
Clinical
manifestation Slightly elevated purple, pink, brown,
black, blue, or red blotches or bumps
anywhere on the skin or in the mouth
and/or throat
Lymphedema
Unexplained cough or chest pain
Unexplained stomach or intestinal pain
Diarrhea and/or blockage of the
digestive tract
Diagnosis
Biopsy

To find out if Kaposi sarcoma has spread to internal organs, any of the
following examinations may be performed:
X-ray
Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan.
Endoscopy

Early Detection and Prevention

There are no recommended routine screening tests to look for
KS in people who are not at increased risk of the disease.
People infected with HIV are much more likely to develop KS, so
many health experts recommend that people infected with HIV
be examined regularly by health care providers who are
experienced in recognizing KS and other diseases that go along
with HIV infection and AIDS.
.Although there is no proven way to completely prevent Kaposi
sarcoma, you can significantly lower your risk by avoiding the
known risk factors for HIV/AIDS, especially by avoiding risky
practices, such as having unprotected sex and using intravenous
(IV) needles that have been used by someone else. Talk with
your health care team for more information about your personal
risk of Kaposi sarcoma.
Medical Intervention
Local radiation therapy and chemotherapy
for multiple lesions, diffuse involvement, or
lymph node disease
cryotherapy, electrocoagulation, intralesional
chemotherapy, or possibly topical imiquimod
for superficial lesions
 Surgical
Intervention
Local excision
Electrodesiccation
Nursing Intervention
Listen to the patient’s fear and concerns and answer
question promptly.
If the patient has painful lesions, help him into a more
comfortable position.
Administer pain medication as ordered.
Supply the patient with high-calorie, high-protein meals.
Provide rest periods if the patient tires frequently.
Inspect the patient’s skin every shift. Look for new
lesions and skin breakdown.
Monitor the patient for signs and symptoms of
gastrointestinal or respiratory function.
Offer emotional support to help the patient and family
cope with the diagnosis and prognosis.
Thank
You