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Kaposi's Sarcoma
A sarcoma is a cancer that grows in body tissues. In Kaposi’s sarcoma, the cancer cells grow below the skin, although they can also grow in the mucous membranes in the nose, mouth, lung, and anus.
Overview
Kaposi's sarcoma causes purple, brown, or red lesions on the skin. The lesions can be deforming but are not usually life threatening. In most cases, the lesions cause no symptoms.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
The lesions associated with this cancer can often look like other kinds of skin problems. Because of this, your doctor will take a sample of the lesion to see whether it is Kaposi's sarcoma.
Deciding on Treatment
Treatment for Kaposi's sarcoma can be either local—surgery or radiation therapy—or systemic. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy are systemic treatments. Your doctor will determine the best treatment for you.
Managing Side Effects
Side effects affect each person differently. Some people have no side effects, while others may have many. Your health care team can suggest ways to help prevent or manage the side effects you experience.
