If you suspect that you have Kaposi sarcoma, the first step is to find a doctor. The disease usually affects elderly men of European, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern origin. The disease is slow-growing, causing few problems, and is found mostly in equatorial Africa. There is no specific treatment for the disease, but it can be treated in certain ways. You can visit your doctor to get more information about Kaposi sarcoma symptoms and how to find a specialist.
If you are diagnosed with Kaposi sarcoma, the first step is to schedule a CT scan. This is a type of x-ray that takes several images of your body. The imaging will show you the extent of the cancer in specific areas. The next step is staging. This describes how far the cancer has spread at the time of diagnosis. The higher the stage, the more advanced it is and the more aggressive it is. Different systems are used for different types of the disease.
The most common symptoms of Kaposi sarcoma include pain and swelling. Lymph nodes are also affected, and this can cause painful swelling in the legs. Because of its rarity, the disease may be difficult to diagnose, so patients may have to visit several doctors before finding a specialist. Early detection improves treatment and reduces the risk of the disease spreading. A physician will examine your skin and lymph nodes, and will take x-rays of your body to find any abnormalities.
During the initial stage, doctors will perform a skin biopsy to see what type of cancer is present. A pathologist will examine the samples. In some cases, the cancer can spread to the lymph nodes and cause painful swelling. A chest X-ray is necessary to detect the disease. A bronchoscopy can be done to check for the disease in the airways. In addition, upper endoscopy and a colonoscopy may be needed if you are suffering from a fever or experiencing abdominal pain.
When you experience any of the symptoms of Kaposi sarcoma, you should not feel embarrassed or ashamed. Your doctor should be able to perform the tests as painlessly and comfortably as possible. However, you must be comfortable with them. If they are uncomfortable, try to ask for painkillers. You must not have a rash or puss. This can spread to other parts of the body.
The most obvious Kaposi sarcoma symptom is a dark red or pink patch of skin on the face, back, or legs. It can also spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes. These areas are swollen, painful, and scaly. In some cases, it can spread to other organs. These symptoms are not specific to Kaposi sarcoma, but they may be indicative of other medical conditions.
Most patients with Kaposi sarcoma will experience some or all of these symptoms. The most common areas of the body affected by Kaposi sarcoma are the lower limbs, the back, the genitals, and the lymph nodes. During pregnancy, the disease is not transmitted from mother to child and is usually passed through the blood. This virus also causes herpes in pregnant women.
Among the most common Kaposi sarcoma symptoms are painful, swollen joints, and lymphedema. If the lesion has spread to other parts of the body, a doctor will recommend other tests to rule out other conditions. During the biopsy, a sample of the affected area will be taken. The biopsy will show a large number of lesions and a diagnosis of the disease.