Kaposi's Sarcoma

Kaposi sarcoma is a rare disorder effecting approximately 0.5% of transplanted patients in the USA. Patients of Mediterranean, Arabic, or African ancestry are especially at increased risk. Kaposi's sarcoma usually appears during the first year following transplantation and manifests as plaques or nodules on the skin and mucosae. They appear pink, red or purple in color. Skin lesions are mainly located on lower limbs, and mucosal lesions are mainly located in the mouth, but any part of the body may be involved. In some cases, it can involve lymph nodes, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. Involvement of the gastrointestinal tract can be associated with bleeding. Kaposi's sarcoma is always associated with a specific virus (HHV8), which proliferates because of deep immunosuppression. Many cases of Kaposi's sarcoma are cured or improved by the reduction of doses in immunosuppressive treatment.

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