Just after the physical examination, the doctors start the actual process of Kaposi’s sarcoma Diagnosis.

Biopsy

In this test the doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the skin lesion. After removal this sample is checked by a pathologist in order to know whether the tumor has invaded in the skin or not. The purpose of this examination is to get an idea about the tumor i.e. whether it is cancerous or non-cancerous.  There are two different Biopsies that are used in the diagnosis process of Kaposi ’s sarcoma ;one is named as punch biopsy while other is termed as excisional biopsy.

Punch biopsy:

In this test the doctor removes a piece of tissue about one-sixth of an inch in diameter from the lesion.

Excisional biopsy:

When the skin lesion is small then the physician goes for this biopsy in which they removed the entire lesion.

Imaging Studies

These studies include:

X-rays:

A chest x-ray is taken by the physician to know more about the tumor of Kaposi.

Computed Tomography (CT) scan:

In this scanning process, the detailed images of affected area are taken through a computer linked with an x-ray machine.  The doctors completely check these images in order to determine the cause and extent of cancer.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):

This is an alternative of CT scan and through this process the cross-sectional images are created with the mean of strong magnet connected to the computer.

The doctor may go for some other advanced imaging tests and procedures. If you are interested to get the detail of Kaposi’s Sarcoma then feel free to follow this link; what is Kaposi’s Sarcoma?

It is closely linked to HIV/AIDS.

The exact cause of Kaposi’s sarcoma is not known but a number of factors contribute to its occurrence:

AIDS: For patients suffering from AIDS, Kaposi’s sarcoma is caused by interaction between the weakened immune system, HIV and Human Herpes Virus-8 (HHV-8).

Organ transplant:Organ transplant patients, especially those of kidney, have a high risk of developing Kaposi’s sarcoma as the drugs they use to stop their immune system from rejecting the organ end up weakening the same immune system, exposing them to risks of contracting or developing Kaposi’s sarcoma.

Heredity:This is also believed to be a cause or a risk. This is particularly so where some damage to DNA has occurred, leading to the down line offspring inheriting the cancer.

Over exposure to sunlight: This may lead to damage of DNA and eventually develop skin cancer.

Diet:The body organs require a number of vitamins, minerals, nutrients and amino acids for them to perform their duties effectively. Such can only be found in a balanced diet. Should the organs fail to get this, the cells may mutate (change) and develop into cancer.

Smoking and alcohol: Smoking and heavy drinking may cause cells along the gastrointestinal wall to be damaged and mutate, leading to gastrointestinal cancer.

Infectious diseases: Kaposi’s sarcoma can result from injury to the respiratory tract. Such injury can be caused by a disease on the respiratory tract left untreated over a long period.

Use of drugs:This is believed to cause Kaposi’s sarcoma as drugs such as marijuana have varied dangerous chemicals that are harmful to the skin, lips and respiratory tract. Here you can also see what is kaposi’s sarcoma.

There are Four main types of Kaposi’s sarcoma: Classic Kaposi’s cancer. It mostly infects elderly menand is mainly found in the mediterranean and Eastern European regions. These regions have higher incidents of this cancer than other regions in the world Endemic Kaposi’s cancer. This is common in sub-saharan part of Africa and infects the young , Transplant Kaposi’s cancer. This type of Kaposi’s cancer is contracted when a HHV-8 infected organ is transplanted into a patient who has not had a history of the disease Endemic Kaposi’s cancer. This type is more prevalent in HIV/AIDS patients. In all these types of Kaposi’s cancer, HHV-8 is responsible.

Kaposi’s sarcoma cancer presents itself in different forms: Lesions (especially on the lower limbs), swelling on the lower limbs, candidiasis (in the mouth), weight loss, intestinal obstruction (as a result of gastrointestinal lesions), shrtness of breath, fever and cough (at times accompanied by traces of blood).

The main modes of transmission of Kaposi’s cancer are kissing, sex and through transplant. Transmission between heterosexuals is rare and sexual transmission is mostly amongst gay and bisexual men. Use of saliva as a sexual lubricant is thought to be a major transmission mode. Organ transplant is also a major mode of transmission, especially in less developed countries.

In treating Kaposi’s sarcoma, HIV/AIDS must first be effectively managed. Kaposi’s sarcoma is not curable. Surgery is not applied in most cases. Treatment is commonly undertaken through measures such as radiation therapy. Drugs such as interferon alpha, Doxil and paclitaxel are commonly used.

The use of anti-retroviral drugs among HIV/AIDS patients has resulted in fewer deaths and lower incidences of Kaposi’s sarcoma. It is however possible that with increase of HIV infections, incidences of Kaposi’s sarcoma will also be reported.