A 38-year-old member asked:
Is there a gentle way to treat kaposi's sarcoma?
4 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

Dr. Joseph Easternanswered
Dermatology 46 years experience
Sure.: There are two kinds of kaposi's sarcoma - the kind associated with hiv, and the kind that is not. Hiv-associated kaposi's usually responds to HIV treatments. When the patient is not hiv-positive, the disease is indolent, and can be treated with surgery, cryotherapy, or other non-aggressive treatments, since the disease is not aggressive and typically poses no threat to live or general health.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Richard Feinsteinanswered
Dermatology 55 years experience
Kaposi Sarcoma: Kaposi sarcoma, ks, is a purple cancer of the skin that is caused by a type of herpes virus. It was seen only in elderly jewish and italian men until 1980, and then, in people who had aids. This herpes virus is weak and only attacks these certain people. The immune system must be restored with HIV drugs and then the ks lesions can be treated with radiation or chemotherapy. It is rarely lethal.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Donald Shenenbergeranswered
Dermatology 27 years experience
Kaposi's sarcoma: For most cases addressing the underlying immune deficiency is the primary treatment. Unfortunately "gentle" may be difficult to guarantee depending on your definition of the word.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Ed Friedlanderanswered
Pathology 46 years experience
The gentlest: I'm going to assume that this is not the result of immunosuppression by HIV or medication. In this case, one option is, "No treatment at all." The mild disease is seldom a threat to life or overall health.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 22, 2014
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $19/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.