Definition

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS; pronounced kuh-PO-seez sar-KO-muh) is a very rare form of cancer (see cancer entry). The word "sarcom" refers to any form of cancer that affects muscle, bone, liver, kidneys, lungs, spleen, bladder, and other organs and tissues. At one time, Kaposi's sarcoma was seen almost entirely in older men of Mediterranean or eastern European background. In the 1980s, however, it began to show up in young men with AIDS (see AIDS entry). Mild forms of the disease can be treated with topical (local) agents. More serious forms are treated with chemotherapy (treatment with drugs). KS is a major cause of death among people with AIDS.

Description

Scientists know of four forms of Kaposi's sarcoma. One form, called classical KS, affects older men of Mediterranean or eastern European background. The disease appears as pink, purple, or brown patches on the...