What is Kaposi sarcoma?

Kaposi sarcoma is a type of cancer that develops in the lining of your blood and lymphatic vessels. It may appear as reddish patches that are visible on the skin.

Unlike some cancers that start in one place and spread to other parts of the body, Kaposi sarcoma can start in multiple places at the same time.

What are the types of Kaposi sarcoma?

There are 4 different types of Kaposi sarcoma:

• Classic (Mediterranean) Kaposi sarcoma usually affects older males of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern descent. It usually grows slowly and often affects the legs, ankles and feet.
• AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma affects people living with HIV and AIDS.
• Iatrogenic Kaposi sarcoma affects people who take medicines that weaken their immune system, such as after an organ transplant.
• Endemic (African) Kaposi sarcoma generally affects people who live in countries near the equator in Africa, especially children and young adults.

What are the symptoms of Kaposi sarcoma?

The main symptoms of Kaposi sarcoma are lesions on the skin. These lesions may:

• be purple, red or brown
• look like bruises
• be flat, raised or bumpy
• sometimes bleed
• increase in size over time

They may affect only one area of the body or appear in several areas at the same time. They usually affect the legs or face but may also grow inside the body.

If lesions grow inside the body, they can cause different symptoms depending on the organs affected. Symptoms may include:

• nausea, abdominal pain or diarrhoea (if in the stomach or bowels)
• breathlessness and a cough (if in the lungs)
• swollen glands or swollen arms and legs (if in the lymph nodes)
• fatigue

All of these symptoms are common in other conditions as well. If you are worried, ask your doctor.

What causes Kaposi sarcoma?

Kaposi sarcoma is caused by the human herpes virus-8 (HHV-8).

Not everyone with HHV-8 will develop Kaposi sarcoma. It is more likely to affect people who have HHV-8 and a weakened immune system.

When should I see my doctor?

If you have been diagnosed with HIV and notice a lesion on your skin, even if it's small, you should see your doctor straight away. You should always follow your doctor's advice and have regular check-ups if you have HIV.

How is Kaposi sarcoma diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects Kaposi sarcoma, they will examine you and check your skin and lymph nodes. They may also refer you for an HIV test, if your HIV status is unknown.

The only way to confirm Kaposi sarcoma is with a biopsy. A small sample of tissue is taken from the lesion and examined in the laboratory.

Tests to check for other lesions may include:

• imaging scans — such as x-ray, CT or MRI, to check if the cancer has spread anywhere else in the body
• procedures — such as endoscopy(to check your stomach), or a bronchoscopy (to check your lungs)

How is Kaposi sarcoma treated?

Kaposi sarcoma treatment commonly includes chemotherapy. Your specific treatment plan will depend on factors such as:

• the type of Kaposi sarcoma you have
• how many lesions you have and where they are
• your general health
• how well your immune system is working

Treatment may include a combination of:

• chemotherapy
• radiotherapy
• cryotherapy (freezing lesions)
• laser therapy
• surgery

If you have AIDS, antiretroviral therapy can help get rid of the lesions by gradually lowering the amount of HIV (viral load) in your body. This will help your immune system function better.

What are the complications of Kaposi sarcoma?

Kaposi sarcoma can lead to different complications depending on the part of the body affected.

Possible complications include:

• larger, painful lesions
• swelling and changes in appearance of your skin
• difficulty breathing if your lungs are affected, which can be life-threatening
• classic Kaposi sarcoma can sometimes lead to other types of cancer

Can Kaposi sarcoma be prevented?

There is no way of preventing the virus (HHV-8) that causes Kaposi sarcoma. You can reduce your risk by reducing your chance of catching HIV. That means always practising safe sex and not sharing needles to inject drugs.

For people living with the HIV virus, taking antiretroviral medicines helps reduce the amount of HIV (viral load) in your body. This may lower your chance of developing Kaposi sarcoma.

Resources and support

• Cancer Council Australia provides services and support to all people affected by cancer. Call 13 11 20.
• Rare Cancers Australia provides support for people living with rare cancers.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

Find an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) or Affiliate near you.

Looking for information for sexually and gender-diverse families?

Health Equity Matters provides information about HIV and AIDS for HIV and LGBTIQ+ communities.