The virus damages cells carrying HHV-8 and allows them to multiply uncontrollably. This leads to characteristic lesions. Organ transplant recipients are more likely to develop the disease and it is usually less severe and easier to manage. However, even organ transplant recipients can develop Kaposi sarcoma. It is important to know your symptoms and to get the proper treatment for it.
A biopsy is a test that removes a sample of tissue from the affected area. This tissue sample will be examined by a pathologist. A chest X-ray can be used to diagnose the disease. Bronchoscopy is another test that may be done to examine the airways and trachea. If you are suffering from diarrhea or abdominal pain, you may also need an upper endoscopy to check for tumor growth.
Symptoms can vary depending on the location of the tumour. Patients may experience swollen lymph nodes, which can be very painful. Some patients will also suffer from diarrhea and lymphedema, which is a condition in which the lesion blocks the lymphatic system. Other signs may include a fever and abdominal pain. It is important to seek medical treatment if you notice any of these signs and symptoms.
If the lesions are present, a biopsy will be performed to confirm the diagnosis. In this test, a small sample of the tumour is removed. This tissue is then tested under a high power microscope to check for signs of Kaposi sarcoma. If the biopsy confirms the diagnosis, the lesion will undergo treatment based on the type and number of lesions. The results of the tests will depend on the type and location of the Kaposi sarcoma.
The first step in diagnosis is to conduct a biopsy of the affected lymph nodes. The biopsy will reveal the presence of the cancer and its location. If the lesion is in the lungs, the cancer may spread to the lungs. The doctor will perform a chest X-ray to check the lymph nodes and the trachea. If the tumor spreads to the colon, it may also spread to other parts of the body.
Typically, Kaposi sarcoma affects the lower limbs, but it can affect the face, mouth, and lymph nodes. The lesion will usually be slow to grow and may cause painful swelling in the affected areas. Once the cancer has spread, the patient may have difficulty breathing or losing their appetite. Depending on the stage of the disease, the symptoms of Kaposi sarcoma can vary from mild swelling to extreme discomfort.
Other Kaposi sarcoma symptoms include a weakened immune system. The cancer can affect any part of the body, but the most common areas are the lymph nodes and the digestive system. When the tumors have spread to these areas, they can cause bleeding and painful swelling. Some patients may also experience respiratory distress. The infection can spread to other parts of the body as well. In the long run, it can lead to organ failure.
Symptoms of Kaposi sarcoma can include shortness of breath and eating difficulties. Large lesions can become inflamed and cause pain. The gastrointestinal tract and oral cavity are the most common sites affected by Kaposi sarcoma. A punch biopsy will confirm the diagnosis. If a biopsy is negative, treatment is based on a biopsy. In some cases, patients may experience anaemic bowel disease.
