Cancer facts
May 10, 2009
KAPOSI'S sarcoma is a cancer that develops from the cells that line lymph or blood vessels. Medical scientists explain that it is caused by the herpes virus, also called Human Herpes Virus 8. <br>
KAPOSI'S sarcoma is a cancer that develops from the cells that line lymph or blood vessels. Medical scientists explain that it is caused by the herpes virus, also called Human Herpes Virus 8.
Apparently, people can be infected with this virus, but only develop the disease when their immune system is compromised, common with HIV.
That is why before the onset of ARVs, HIV-infected people often had what many referred to as the “AIDS lookâ€â€” thin, drawn and frail, but what crowns this traditional look are the small darkened lesions scattered on the skin — the descriptive features of the cancer.
Unlike most cancers, which start in one place and may spread to other body parts, kaposi’s sarcoma can appear in several parts of the body at the same time, commonly on the skin and lips, but may also occur in the internal organs, particularly the lymph nodes, lungs and digestive system.
The abnormal cells of the cancer form lesions. These skin lesions may look bad, but they often cause no symptoms, although they sometimes cause painful swellings, especially on the legs, groin and eyes.
Other causes
HIV, which weakens the immune system, is the commonest cause of the AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma, although it has become less common because the treatment of HIV and AIDS has improved
Classic kaposi’s sarcoma which develops without any weakened immunity, like many other types of cancer, is very rare and is usually only found in old men. It is usually on the skin, particularly on the lower legs plus the feet and is slow-growing
Endemic or African kaposi’s sarcoma found in parts of sub-Saharan Africa develops more quickly than classic one
Transplant-related kaposi’s sarcoma usually occurs in people who have a weakened or damaged immune system as a result of organ transplants.
Prevention:
Practise safe sex and avoid kissing an infected person.
Compiled by Irene Nabusoba
Apparently, people can be infected with this virus, but only develop the disease when their immune system is compromised, common with HIV.
That is why before the onset of ARVs, HIV-infected people often had what many referred to as the “AIDS lookâ€â€” thin, drawn and frail, but what crowns this traditional look are the small darkened lesions scattered on the skin — the descriptive features of the cancer.
Unlike most cancers, which start in one place and may spread to other body parts, kaposi’s sarcoma can appear in several parts of the body at the same time, commonly on the skin and lips, but may also occur in the internal organs, particularly the lymph nodes, lungs and digestive system.
The abnormal cells of the cancer form lesions. These skin lesions may look bad, but they often cause no symptoms, although they sometimes cause painful swellings, especially on the legs, groin and eyes.
Other causes
HIV, which weakens the immune system, is the commonest cause of the AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma, although it has become less common because the treatment of HIV and AIDS has improved
Classic kaposi’s sarcoma which develops without any weakened immunity, like many other types of cancer, is very rare and is usually only found in old men. It is usually on the skin, particularly on the lower legs plus the feet and is slow-growing
Endemic or African kaposi’s sarcoma found in parts of sub-Saharan Africa develops more quickly than classic one
Transplant-related kaposi’s sarcoma usually occurs in people who have a weakened or damaged immune system as a result of organ transplants.
Prevention:
Practise safe sex and avoid kissing an infected person.
Compiled by Irene Nabusoba