A multicentric, malignant neoplastic vascular proliferation characterized by the development of bluish-red cutaneous nodules, usually on the lower extremities, most often on the toes or feet, and slowly increasing in size and number and spreading to more proximal areas. The tumors have endothelium-lined channels and vascular spaces admixed with variably sized aggregates of spindle-shaped cells, and often remain confined to the skin and subcutaneous tissue, but widespread visceral involvement may occur. Kaposi's sarcoma occurs spontaneously in Jewish and Italian males in Europe and the United States. An aggressive variant in young children is endemic in some areas of Africa. A third form occurs in about 0.04% of kidney transplant patients. There is also a high incidence in AIDS patients. (From Dorland, 27th ed & Holland et al., Cancer Medicine, 3d ed, pp2105-7) HHV-8 is the suspected cause.

Annotation

coordinate IM with precoordinated organ/ neoplasm term (IM)

DUI

D012514 MeSH Browser

CUI

M0019437

History note

98; was SARCOMA, KAPOSI'S 1963-97; KAPOSI SARCOMA was KAPOSI'S SARCOMA 1963-97

Public note

98; was SARCOMA, KAPOSI'S 1963-97; KAPOSI SARCOMA was KAPOSI'S SARCOMA 1963-97