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.