Kaposi Sarcoma

Sarcoma is a medical term given to the word cancer that occurs anywhere in your body. It results from an abnormal multiplication and proliferation of cells that cause changes within the skin or organs. Kaposi sarcoma is a type of cancer that affects the cells lining the lymph and blood vessels. This sarcoma is found developing in the skin and mucous membrane that lines the gastrointestinal tract, from mouth to anus, including the stomach and the intestine, in addition to the nose and eyes. It forms lesions on your skin or tissues that line your internal organs. These tumors appear as blue or purple patches or nodules on the skin and mucous membranes and can quickly spread to the lymph nodes and lungs. They are common in men and patients with suppressed immune systems. The treatment for Kaposi sarcoma depends on the type and number of skin lesions, which may usually involve topical medications, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or cryotherapy.

This informative blog will discuss the types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and effective treatment options for Kaposi sarcoma. So read on! 

What is Kaposi Sarcoma?

Kaposi sarcoma is a type of soft tissue sarcoma. This cancer grows in the lining of your blood vessels and lymph vessels, forming tumors (abnormal tissue growth in the form of a lump or nodule) on your skin and in your mouth, nose, eyes, and GI tract (from mouth to anus). These tumors appear in red, brown, blue, or purple lesions or patches. Usually, this type of sarcoma does not cause any symptoms, but severe and untreated forms of tumor can spread to the lungs, liver, stomach, intestines, and lymph nodes. This can be dangerous and cause complications like breathing issues and bleeding. 

What Are the Types of Kaposi Sarcoma?

There are four types of Kaposi sarcoma, namely:

AIDs-related Kaposi Sarcoma

• This is the most common type that develops in people with AIDs (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
• Cancerous lesions may be seen in the whole body.

Classic Kaposi Sarcoma

• It is common and usually known as Mediterranean sarcoma since it is most often seen developing in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and European males. 
• This causes slow-growing skin lesions that grow in size and number. 
• The lesions may gradually spread to the internal organs as well.

Acquired Kaposi Sarcoma

• It is a rare type of sarcoma that affects people taking immunosuppressants after an organ or bone marrow transplant.
• Here, you can notice only skin lesions appearing in the body. 

Endemic Kaposi Sarcoma

• It is also known as African sarcoma since it mainly affects people living in equatorial Africa. 
• People generally develop this type of sarcoma at a much younger age, with mostly skin lesions in the body.  

What Causes Kaposi Sarcoma?

Kaposi sarcoma develops when human herpesvirus 8 (HHV 8) infects the cells lining your blood and lymph vessels. Healthy cells multiply uncontrollably, mutate, and increase to form cancer cells. 

Certain risk factors can increase your susceptibility to developing Kaposi sarcoma. These include:

• Ethnicity: People of Jewish, Mediterranean, and African descent are more susceptible. 
• Sex: Men are more likely to develop this type of sarcoma. 
• Age: Commonly seen among people of ages 40 to 70.
• Immune deficiency: People with compromised immunity, as seen in HIV or AIDs, are more prone to develop Kaposi sarcoma. 
• Sexual action: Unprotected sex can increase the risk of infection with HHV 8 by spreading through bodily fluids. 

What are the Symptoms Associated With Kaposi Sarcoma?

You are expected to develop patches of abnormal tissues in different parts of your body. 

Specific symptoms based on the area or part of your body affected include:

• Red, brown, blue, or purple patches or lesions. 
• The patches may be smooth or bumpy and appear in one or more areas of your body. 
• Lymphedema due to blockage of the lymph nodes by the lesions 
• Difficulty breathing or coughing up blood due to the spread of the lesions into your lungs 
• Gastric bleeding (blood in stools) 
• Stomach cramps and uneasiness due to lesions developing in your tummy
• Diarrhea
• Constipation or vomiting due to lesions blocking a part of your digestive system
• Pain in the mouth while eating due to lesions in the mouth
• Eye pain 
• Nasal congestion  

How is Kaposi Sarcoma Diagnosed? 

Your doctor may diagnose Kaposi sarcoma by examining the physical appearance of the lesions. Furthermore, they may order the following diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis:

• Biopsy ( a small tissue sample is collected and studied under a microscope)
• Chest X-rays (if the sarcoma spreads to the lungs)
• PET (positron emission tomography)
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
• Endoscopy (recommended when you have symptoms associated with your digestive system)
• Bronchoscopy (used when chest X-rays show abnormalities)
• CT (Computed Tomography) scan  

How is Kaposi Sarcoma Treated?

Treatment for Kaposi sarcoma is based on the type of sarcoma, the number of lesions, and your overall health. Treatment options may include:

Topical Medications

• To treat skin cancer, it is applied superficially to the lesions. 

Targeted Therapy

• Focuses on the genetic changes or mutations of the affected cells
• Only the specific cancer cells are targeted here, sparing the healthy cells.

Radiation Therapy

• Here, high-powered X-rays are used to kill cancer cells.
• This may be used alone or with chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy 

• Here, specially formulated drugs are injected directly into the bloodstream through IV (intravenous) infusion to kill the cancer cells.

Cryotherapy 

• Liquid nitrogen is used to target and kill cancer cells. 
• This new method may be used in combination with other treatment options. 

Immunotherapy 

• This newest therapy aids in improving your immune system to kill the cancer cells.
• It also helps curb the growth of tumors and cancer cells. 

Bottom Line 

Kaposi sarcoma is a rare cancer affecting the cells lining your blood and lymph vessels. It could develop as a result of infection from HHV 8 or due to certain medications being taken post-organ or bone marrow transplant. The type of sarcoma and the number of lesions can determine the best treatment for your condition. Doctors may use a multidisciplinary approach to treat Kaposi sarcoma through topical medications, cryotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation, or chemotherapy. 

If you notice any red, brown, or purple patches on your skin, nose, eyes, or mouth, contact your doctor immediately for further evaluation.