Kaposi's Sarcoma
GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is it? Kaposi's (kuh-poe-zees) sarcoma (sar-ko-muh) is also called "KS." It is a skin cancer that people with AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency (ih-mew-no-duh-fish-in-c) syndrome (sin-drom) may get. This cancer may first show up on the nose, anus (rear end), or mouth as purple spots. You can also get KS in your lungs, liver, or other organs. It can also show up in your lymph (limf) nodes. It can be a serious disease that may cause death.
Causes: Scientists think that KS is probably caused by a virus (germ). Most people who get KS have a weakened immune system. This system is the part of your body that fights infection. AIDS makes a person unable to fight off normal infections or cancers. KS also happens in people who do not have AIDS. But it is much more uncommon. These people usually have weakened immune systems from other causes. One example is from kidney transplants.
Signs and Symptoms:
- You may first have spots, sores, or bumps on your face (usually nose), mouth, arms, upper body, or legs. These spots, sores, or bumps may be pink, red, dark blue, purple, or a brown color. They may be pinhead size or the size of a large coin. They do not always hurt. The spots, sores, or bumps may spread to other places in the body, such as the lungs, liver, or bones. KS may also be found in the esophagus (e-sof-uh-gus) or throat, stomach, bowel and lungs. KS also may occur in the lymph nodes and other body organs.
- Sometimes the skin sores may be painful and cause itching. Sores in the mouth and throat may cause eating or swallowing problems. You may have swelling of your face or lower legs. KS in the lungs may cause you to have a cough or breathing problems. You may have problems walking if you have sores on your feet.
Care: KS can be treated and controlled most of the time. At first, you will probably be seen in a clinic or caregiver's office. But, at times, you might need to go into the hospital for tests and treatment. You may need to see your caregiver often. Ask your caregiver for information about KS to help you understand about the different tests and treatments.
- Biologic (bi-o-lah-jik) Therapy may be used to treat KS. It is also called biotherapy or immunotherapy (im-u-no-thair-uh-p). This medicine is used to help the body fight growing cancer cells. It also may make cancer cells weaker and easier to kill. You may feel like you have the flu during this therapy.
- Chemotherapy (kee-mo-thair-uh-p) may be used to treat KS. This medicine is also called "chemo" and is used to treat different cancers. It works by killing new tumor cells. Radiation (ra-d-a-shun) is like x-rays and may also be used to treat KS. Radiation kills cancer and keeps the cancer from spreading. Cryotherapy (cri-o-thair-uh-p) may be done to freeze the sores. Caregivers may also use surgery to remove KS sores.
Support: Accepting that you have KS is hard. You and those close to you may feel scared, depressed, angry, or sad. These are normal feelings. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings and let them help you. You may also want to join a cancer or AIDS support group. This is a group of people who also have cancer or AIDS. For more information, call or write the following organizations.
- American Cancer Society
Phone: 1-800-227-2345
Web Address: http://www.cancer.org
- National Cancer Institute
Phone: 1-800-422-6237
Web Address: http://www.cancer.gov
- The Skin Cancer Foundation
245 5th Avenue, Suite 1403
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 1-800-754-6490
Web Address: www.skincancer.org
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
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