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Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)Toggle: English / SpanishServices at Maryland GeneralA complete list of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services at MGH.Kaposi's sarcoma - OverviewDefinition of Kaposi's sarcoma:Kaposi's sarcoma is a cancerous tumor of the connective tissue, and is often associated with AIDS. Causes, incidence, and risk factors:Before the AIDS epidemic, Kaposi's sarcoma was seen mainly in elderly Italian and Jewish men, and rarely, in elderly women. Among this group, the tumors developed slowly. In AIDS patients, the cancer can develop quickly. The cancer may also involve the skin, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and other organs. In people with AIDS, Kaposi's sarcoma is caused by an interaction between HIV, a weakened immune system, and the human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8). Kaposi's sarcoma has been linked to the spread of HIV and HHV-8 through sexual activity. People who have kidney or other organ transplants are also at risk for Kaposi's sarcoma. African Kaposi's sarcoma is fairly common in young adult males living near the equator. One form is also common in young African children.
ReferencesVolberding PA. Hematology and oncology in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 416. Related ArticlesThe information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.  |
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