What does Kaposi sarcoma look like in the mouth?
Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a type of cancer in which patches of abnormal tissue grow under the skin or mucous membranes in the mouth, nose, and anus. The cancer can also involve the lungs, GI tract, and other organs. Kaposi sarcoma tumors usually manifest as bluish-red or purple bumps.
Can Kaposi Sarcoma be cured?
Therefore, there is no cure for Kaposi sarcoma (KS). Instead, the purpose of therapy in all forms of KS is directed at alleviating symptoms and slowing disease progression. Treatment decisions vary depending on KS form, presence of symptoms, and extent of disease.
Is Kaposi sarcoma life threatening?
Kaposi’s sarcomas are usually not life threatening or disabling, but the condition may become life threatening when the cancer spreads to the lungs, liver, or gastrointestinal tract.
What does Kaposi look like?
Kaposi sarcoma (KS) usually appears first as spots (called lesions) on the skin. The lesions can be purple, red, or brown. KS lesions can be flat and not raised above the surrounding skin (called patches), flat but slightly raised (called plaques), or bumps (called nodules).
When does Kaposi sarcoma appear?
Classic Kaposi sarcoma. Classic Kaposi sarcoma was first described in the late 1800s. It traditionally occurs in older men of Jewish or Mediterranean descent. Lesions most often appear on the lower body, particularly on the legs, ankles, or soles of the feet.
Who is at risk for Kaposi’s sarcoma?
People of Jewish or Mediterranean descent, as well as equatorial Africans, have a higher risk of developing Kaposi sarcoma. Gender. Men have a higher risk of developing Kaposi sarcoma than women.
Does Kaposi sarcoma hurt?
The lesions are usually not painful or itchy. KS lesions can also sometimes appear in other parts of the body. Lesions in the lungs might block part of an airway and cause shortness of breath. Lesions that develop in the stomach and intestines can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Where does Kaposi sarcoma develop?
Kaposi sarcoma generally develops in tissue located below the skin’s surface or in the lining of the mouth, nose, or anus. Areas where tissues have abnormal changes are known as Kaposi sarcoma lesions. These lesions usually appear on the skin as raised blotches or nodules.