Classical (HIV-negative) cutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma: a case report and a short review of the literature

Schweiz Med Wochenschr. 2000 Jul 1;130(26):988-92.

Abstract

Classical Kaposi's sarcoma is a sporadic disease with a markedly higher incidence in the Mediterranean area. The two original forms of this disease, the Caucasian (classical) and the African, are now well-documented entities. The immunosuppression-related form is a new, recently described subset of the disease, arising from the human immune deficiency virus (HIV) infection and/or the widespread use of immunosuppressive treatments. Cutaneous lesions are the most common manifestation of classical Kaposi's sarcoma. The case described in the present report is characterised by a history of slowly evolving disease affecting the lower extremities without spread to thoracic or abdominal organs, a lengthy remission following initial radiation therapy, and local relapse with a further remission after a second course of radiation. Current treatments, in particular radiation therapy, achieve disease control or at least control of disease-related symptoms (mainly pain) in most cases, even when cure is not possible.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Disease Progression
  • HIV Seronegativity*
  • Herpesvirus 8, Human / isolation & purification
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / physiopathology*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / radiotherapy
  • Palliative Care
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / pathology*
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / physiopathology*
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / radiotherapy
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / virology
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / physiopathology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Skin Neoplasms / virology