Kaposi sarcoma

Description

A rare cancerous (malignant) tumour that starts in the blood vessels and causes slightly raised purple or brown spots on the skin.

Kaposi sarcoma most often affects the skin, but can also develop in the lungs, intestines or mucous membranes that line the mouth, nose and throat.

Kaposi sarcoma is associated with Kaposi sarcoma herpes virus (KSHV), or Human herpesvirus8 (HHV-8). It often develops in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with AIDS.

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