Kaposi's Sarcoma

Types

Types of Kaposi's Sarcoma

Classic Kaposi's Sarcoma

Specialists consider classic Kaposi's sarcoma to be rare. It typically develops under the skin of men, ages 50 to 70, of Mediterranean or Eastern European heritage. The cancer usually presents as lesions on the legs or feet. These lesions can sometimes continue growing for 10 or more years, causing swelling from pressure put on lymph vessels and nodes. The lesions occasionally begin to grow within the gastrointestinal tract or elsewhere.

Endemic (African) Kaposi's Sarcoma

This rare form typically develops in people who live near the equator in Africa. The symptoms are similar to those of classic Kaposi's sarcoma, but the disease normally affects young men.

Immunocompromised Kaposi's Sarcoma

This form typically occurs when a patient takes immunosuppressive drugs after an organ transplant. It may affect the skin or internal organs.

AIDS-related Kaposi's Sarcoma

This form typically occurs in people with advanced HIV infection. In addition to being the most common form of the disease, AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma is the most aggressive. It usually presents as lesions on the skin, in the mouth or in lymph nodes. It can affect internal organs and eventually spreads throughout the body.