“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a type of cancer that affects the skin and other organs of the body. It is caused by human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) and typically occurs in people with weakened immune systems, particularly those with HIV/AIDS.
KS tumors can appear as small, raised, pink or purple lesions on the skin, or they can occur in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, or other internal organs. The tumors can grow slowly or rapidly and can be painful or itchy. KS can also cause swelling in the legs, feet, or face.
Treatment for AIDS-related KS depends on the extent of the disease and the person's overall health. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is often used to control HIV, which can help slow or stop the growth of KS tumors. Other treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery to remove tumors. However, the outlook for AIDS-related KS can vary, and it is generally considered to be more aggressive and harder to treat than other forms of KS.