A 55-year-old Caucasian man presents to the clinic with reddish purple nodules over the shin of both his legs. He was diagnosed to be HIV positive and has been on anti retroviral therapy since 6 months. He is homosexual and his boyfriend died of AIDS, two years ago. Biopsy of the lesion is ordered.
Answer: The answer is (d).
Kaposis’s sarcoma is a common infection in HIV infected homosexual men. It is the most common HIV related malignancy. Kaposi’s sarcoma commonly involves the gastrointestinal tract, but in asymptomatic patients these lesions are not sought or treated.
Answer: The answer is (d).
Human Herpesvirus 8 causes Kaposi’s sarcoma. It is the most common HIV associated malignancy. The incidence of seropositivity to Human Herpes virus 8 correlates directly to the incidence of Kaposi’s sarcoma. Human Herpes virus 8 is present in the skin lesions and circulating B-lymphocytes of persons with Kaposi’s sarcoma.
Answer: The answer is (d).
Surgical excision does not have a role in the treatment of Kaposi’s sarcoma. Intralesional chemotherapy might be sufficient in case of elderly persons. In AIDS associated Kaposi’s sarcoma it is important to give adequate anti-retroviral treatment. In most cases this alone would lead to regression of the tumor. For cosmetically objectionable lesions Intralesional vinblastine and cryotherapy can be tried.