Curriculum · ENT, Ophthalmology, and Dermatology
Kaposi's sarcoma
What it is
Kaposi's sarcoma is a spindle-cell tumour of the skin and mucosa.
Causes and risk
It is caused by HHV-8, the human herpes virus 8. In a patient with HIV, Kaposi's sarcoma is diagnostic of AIDS.
How it presents
It presents as purple papules or plaques on the skin or on mucosa, for example the gastrointestinal and respiratory tract. Skin lesions may later ulcerate. Night sweating and weight loss may be present alongside the skin lesions.