Subcategories of KS

Q: What are the different subcategories of Kaposi sarcoma (KS)?

Answer: Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is an angioproliferative disorder due to human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8). It is characterized as purplish, reddish blue, or dark brown/black macules, plaques, and nodules on the skin, which may ulcerate and bleed easily. It can be very small to several centimeters in diameter. They can remain unchanged for years or grow rapidly and disseminate. Due to these different characteristics, KS is now subcategorized.

Classic KS - occurs in patients without known HIV and is rarely of clinical significance.

Immunosuppressive treatment–related KS - occurs in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy for organ transplantation or other indications. This subcategory can be reversible with dosage modification of the immunosuppressive drugs.

African KS - occurs in young males and varies in behavior from indolent to aggressive in the course.

HIV-related KS - occurs in the patient with AIDS.

#oncology

References:

1. Radu O, Pantanowitz L. Kaposi sarcoma. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2013 Feb;137(2):289-94. doi: 10.5858/arpa.2012-0101-RS. PMID: 23368874.

2. Cesarman E, Damania B, Krown SE, Martin J, Bower M, Whitby D. Kaposi sarcoma. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2019 Jan 31;5(1):9. doi: 10.1038/s41572-019-0060-9. PMID: 30705286; PMCID: PMC6685213.