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💀anatomy and physiology i review

Kaposi's Sarcoma

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Kaposi's sarcoma is a type of cancer that causes abnormal growth of cells in the skin, mucous membranes, and other organs. It is associated with depressed or overactive immune responses, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Kaposi's sarcoma is caused by the human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8), also known as the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV).
  2. The risk of developing Kaposi's sarcoma is significantly higher in individuals with weakened or suppressed immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or who have undergone organ transplantation.
  3. Kaposi's sarcoma lesions can appear as purple, red, or brown patches or nodules on the skin, mucous membranes, or internal organs, including the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and lymph nodes.
  4. The treatment for Kaposi's sarcoma often involves addressing the underlying immune deficiency, such as through antiretroviral therapy for HIV/AIDS patients, as well as targeted therapies to manage the cancerous lesions.
  5. Kaposi's sarcoma is more common in certain geographical regions, such as parts of Africa, and is considered an AIDS-defining illness, indicating the presence of advanced HIV infection.

Review Questions

  • Describe the role of the human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) in the development of Kaposi's sarcoma.
    • The human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8), also known as the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), is the causative agent of Kaposi's sarcoma. This virus infects and transforms cells, leading to the abnormal growth and proliferation of cells that ultimately results in the development of Kaposi's sarcoma lesions. The virus is primarily transmitted through bodily fluids, and individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, are at a higher risk of developing Kaposi's sarcoma due to the virus's ability to take advantage of the weakened immune response.
  • Explain the relationship between Kaposi's sarcoma and immunodeficiency conditions, such as HIV/AIDS.
    • Kaposi's sarcoma is strongly associated with immunodeficiency conditions, particularly HIV/AIDS. Individuals with weakened or suppressed immune systems, such as those with advanced HIV infection or who have undergone organ transplantation, are at a significantly higher risk of developing Kaposi's sarcoma. This is because the human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) that causes Kaposi's sarcoma takes advantage of the compromised immune system, allowing the virus to proliferate and transform cells into cancerous lesions. The more severe the immunodeficiency, the more aggressive and widespread the Kaposi's sarcoma lesions tend to be, as seen in the case of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.
  • Analyze the clinical presentation and management of Kaposi's sarcoma, particularly in the context of immunodeficiency disorders.
    • Kaposi's sarcoma lesions can appear as purple, red, or brown patches or nodules on the skin, mucous membranes, or internal organs, such as the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and lymph nodes. In individuals with immunodeficiency disorders, like HIV/AIDS, the Kaposi's sarcoma lesions tend to be more aggressive and widespread, often requiring a multifaceted approach to management. The primary treatment strategy involves addressing the underlying immune deficiency, such as through antiretroviral therapy for HIV/AIDS patients, to restore the body's ability to fight the human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) infection. Additionally, targeted therapies may be used to manage the cancerous lesions, which can include topical treatments, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. The overall goal of management is to control the Kaposi's sarcoma while also improving the patient's underlying immune function to prevent further complications and disease progression.

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