What is a kaposi sarcoma?

A rare cancer: Kaposi's sarcoma is a relatively uncommon cancer that is most often associated with HIV or older age. A virus called hhv8 is associated with many of these cancers.

Viral cancer: It is a cancer usually marked by "violaceous" skin lesions derived from lymphovascular tissue. It is caused by a herpes virus, HHV8. In the modern era it is strongly associated with HIV-positive and is considered an AIDS defining condition.

Soft tissue cancer: It is a rare cancer of the soft tissues which appear as raised red or purple lesions of the skin or in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. It can occur in immune compromised patients, those with advanced hiv/aids and elderly men. Survival rates are 50-60% and treatment options incllude surgery, radiation, chemotherapy (advanced cases).

Tumor: It is known now to be caused by a herpes virus and therefore transmitted from person to person. Immunocompromised persons are more susceptible such as transplant patients or persons infected with hiv.