Kaposi's sarcoma is a systemic disease manifested by the proliferation of blood and lymph vessels and the damage to the skin, internal organs and mucous membranes. Most often, this disease occurs in people aged 38 to 75 years, while the male sexually sick are eight times more likely than women. The inhabitants of Africa are most prone to pathology.
Causes of Kaposi's sarcoma
Now it is already proved that the disease is caused by the activity of the herpes virus type 8, the transmission of which is performed sexually, through saliva or blood. However, the virus can activate only if the protective functions of the body worsen.
The following population groups are at risk:
- having HIV infection ;
- patients with immunodeficiency, for example, during chemotherapy or in the treatment with immunosuppressors;
- children and elderly people;
- inhabitants of Africa and the Mediterranean;
- patients who underwent organ transplantation.
If Kaposi's sarcoma is found in HIV, then patients diagnosed with AIDS. Only in case of weakened immunity the virus begins to develop actively, causing this oncological disease.
Symptoms of Kaposi's sarcoma
The pathological process is accompanied by the appearance of such obvious signs:
- Multiplicity of tumors, often their symmetrical arrangement;
- the color of the formations from purple to dark purple;
- The tumor is flat in shape, more often towering above the skin and is presented in the form of small nodules;
- Kaposi's sarcoma on the leg may be accompanied by hyperpigmentation of the skin, and by the formation of elephantiasis;
- swelling of surrounding tissue in case of minor lesion;
- as a rule, pain syndrome is not observed, but sometimes there is burning and itching;
- Since the neoplasm consists of blood vessels, bleeding can occur with the disease.
In the case of lesions of mucous membranes, the pathology is accompanied by such symptoms:
- pain;
- bleeding;
- Diarrhea in case of damage to the intestinal mucosa and stomach.
If a lesion of the oral cavity is observed in Kaposi's sarcoma, the patient feels:
- difficulty breathing;
- cough;
- departure of bloody sputum.
Diagnosis of Kaposi's sarcoma
Even if a human herpesvirus-8 virus was detected, then it's too early to talk about Kaposi's sarcoma and its development in the future.
The diagnosis can be made only after carrying out such procedures:
- complete general examination of the skin, oral mucosa and genital organs;
- Ultrasound of the peritoneum and lymph nodes;
- esophagogastroduodenoscopy (examination of the digestive tract and duodenum);
- sigmoidoscopy (examination of the rectum);
- bronchoscopy (examination of the lungs).
- biopsy of affected areas;
- carrying out an immunogram.
Treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma
Therapy includes activities aimed at restoring immunity, fighting the herpes virus and eliminating rashes. In the course of taking medications, skin tumors disappear on their own. Patients are assigned:
- chemotherapy, including the use of Bleomycin, Palitaxel and Vincristine;
- lubrication of damaged areas with Dinitrochlorobenzene and Paretin;
- Alfa-Interferon, which is similar in composition to the substance produced by immunity;
- cryotherapy, contributing to the renewal of tissues;
- radiation therapy used for places not accessible in other ways.
How many live with Kaposi's sarcoma?
The acute form is characterized by a rapid course and involvement of internal organs. In the absence of treatment, death can occur six months after the onset of the disease. In the subacute form, death occurs 3-5 years later. In chronic course, life expectancy can reach 10 years or more.