What are the causes and symptoms of Kaposi’s sarcoma
The human herpesvirus 8 causes Kaposi’s sarcoma — a type of cancer. This disease appears in the form of red or purple patches on the skin, liver, mouth, lungs, or the gastrointestinal tract. This disease was first discovered in the year 1872. Back then it was not considered as a severe disease. But after the AIDS epidemic began, AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma was considered as a severe disease that could be life threatening. Kaposi’s sarcoma results in formation of skin lesions that can be purple, brown, or red blotches. When these lesions develop in the lungs, digestive tract, or liver, they can cause serious symptoms like breathing difficulty or bleeding. Types of Kaposi’s sarcoma Classic Sarcoma : This is a rare type of cancer that grows very slowly into skin tumors. This type usually affects men of Italian or Eastern European origin. African Sarcoma : This occurs in children or young adults residing in some parts of Africa. This is a slow growing tumor, but in rare cases, it may be aggressive and may even affect the bones. Immunosuppressive treatment-related Kaposi’s sarcoma : Those who are on immunosuppressant medication after organ transplant may develop this type of sarcoma. AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma :