It is typically seen in older men from European, Middle Eastern, and African backgrounds. The cancer progresses slowly, and there are few symptoms until it has spread to other parts of the body. Generally, the symptoms of Kaposi sarcoma are not life-threatening, but immediate treatment may be needed for large lesions. Some patients also require minor surgery for removal of the affected skin. If you develop these symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice from a qualified physician.
People at risk for developing Kaposi sarcoma are generally HIV positive, but it can affect healthy individuals as well. Those who are infected with HIV are at highest risk of developing this disease. When a person becomes infected with HIV, the virus destroys the immune system, allowing cells carrying the HHV-8 to multiply. This leads to the formation of characteristic lesions. Those who have had organ transplants are at a reduced risk of developing the condition, but the disease is still a possibility.
The most common Kaposi sarcoma symptom is a dark, painful lession that can occur on the face or the lining of the mouth. This lesion can also block the lymphatic system, causing lymphedema. In some instances, it can cause diarrhea. The disease can spread to other parts of the body, including the lungs. Fortunately, there are no symptoms associated with AIDS in these patients.
The most common areas affected by Kaposi sarcoma are the lymph nodes, lungs, and digestive system. The tumors can cause the lymph nodes to swell. This causes a condition known as lymphoedema, in which fluid in the tissues backs up due to tumour blockage. Other symptoms may include breathlessness, coughing up blood, stomach pain, and nausea.
When the cancer is in the digestive system, the body will suffer from lymphedema. In addition to the lymphedema, the tumour can cause the digestive tract to swell. The lesions can also cause the body to stop functioning properly. This can lead to a number of other serious health complications. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. These may not occur immediately, but should be reported to a doctor to assess if they are related to the disease.
When the cancer has spread, symptoms of Kaposi sarcoma can include swelling of the intestines and stomach. Some patients experience bleeding and pain in the GI tract. There may be some signs of the disease. Some sufferers have lymphedema, which is an accumulation of fluid in the body. It can be painful and disfiguring. It may also be in the stomach or the gastrointestinal tract.
The main symptom of Kaposi sarcoma is swelling of the lymph nodes and lymphedema. During the symptoms of lymphoedema, the affected body parts are often swollen. This swelling can be painful. It is called lymphoedema. If the cancer has spread to the lungs, the fluid may back up in the organs. It can also cause gastrointestinal pain and vomiting.
Other symptoms of Kaposi sarcoma include painful swelling of the gastrointestinal tract, shortness of breath, and difficulty eating. Besides the red or purple patches, the disease may also cause bleeding and GI pain. The affected organs may require chemotherapy. During the course of the disease, the patient will undergo a series of tests to rule out any other illnesses. The doctor will also recommend a biopsy if the signs and symptoms of the condition persist.
