Does Having Kaposis Sarcoma Mean I Have Hiv

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Get the Facts

Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS)

What Is KS? Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a cancer-like disease. It originally was known as a disease affecting elderly men of Eastern European or Mediterranean background. KS also occurs in African men and people with a weakened immune system. The most common cause of KS now is HIV infection. KS is a sign of AIDS. KS usually shows up in the skin, or in the linings of the mouth, nose, or eye. KS can also spread to the lungs, liver, stomach and...

Ask the Experts

What are the symptoms of HHV-8, the virus that causes Kaposi's sarcoma?

What are the symtoms of HHV-8, are they the same as HIV? I have already tested negative for HIV but I know that there is something wrong.Thanks pw What are the symptoms of HHV-8, the virus that causes Kaposi's sarcoma? Dear PW: It's hard...

Response from Bruce Dezube, M.D.

Harvard Medical School

Dear PW: It's hard enough when you have to worry about HIV. Now it looks like HHV-8 is giving you something to worry about. HHV-8, also known as Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus, is the virus that causes Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Most people, who get... Read more »

kaposi sarcoma and hemophilia

My brother, who is a hemophiliac, was diagnosed with HIV three years ago. Now in addition to this and hemophilia, he has recently developed kaposi sarcoma. My main concern is about the sores. If one begins to bleed, what will happen? are there any...

Response from Judith Feinberg, M.D.

University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine

Surface KS lesions don't bleed, and the usual precautions would be sufficient. KS is caused by abnormal growth of the cells that form the lining of blood vessels, and willnot affect his circulatory system. If the KS becomes extensive, is in a... Read more »

Sarcoma de Kaposi+ LOW CD4 count

Drs.My brother has aids, on May 2006 he had only 2 CD4 linfosites after all this time of treatment he is getting better but we can't get a new CD4 count because they run out of reactives here in Bolivia and we hope we can do a new count next...

Response from Keith Henry, M.D.

University of Minnesota, School of Medicine

A CD4 count of 2 is certainly low so he has a long way to go to reach a safer CD4 level > 200). Often but not always Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) will improve when effective HIV treatment results in a significant rise in CD4 cells >> 200 cells/mm3.... Read more »

Deep Kissing and Kaposi's Sarcoma

There was a recent report spread that HIV+ individuals can pass KS by deep kissing?. Is this true? Also is there a test to detect that you have KS or been exposed to it? If it similar to a Herpes virus isn't there going to be some latent...

Response from Bruce Dezube, M.D.

Harvard Medical School

This is a REALLY difficult question. It is true that the New England Journal of Medicine (2000:343:1369) reported that deep kissing is associated with transmission of the herpes virus that causes Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). The researchers studied gay... Read more »

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Articles

Physicians in San Francisco Identify Kaposi's Sarcoma Cluster Among HIV-Positive MSM

Physicians from San Francisco General Hospital last month in a letter published in the New England Journal of Medicine said they had identified between November 2004 and January 2006 a cluster of nine cases of Kaposi's sarcoma among HIV-positive... Read more »

Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange

Thirty Years of AIDS -- Cancer Trends in HIV, Then and Now

Until the mid-to-late 1970s, Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) was a rare form of cancer in high-income countries. When it did occur, it was mostly older men who were affected, with tumours appearing on their feet and legs. KS in these men caused mild... Read more »

Anti-Cancer Agents: A. Kaposi's Sarcoma -- Past and Future

One of the hallmarks of AIDS, particularly in the early years of the pandemic, was the appearance of skin tumours called Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). During the 1980s, KS was very common in people with AIDS. Indeed, in those years, sometimes the only... Read more »

UCSF Researchers Identify New Drug Target for Kaposi's Sarcoma

Charles S. Craik, Ph.D. UCSF researchers have identified a new potential drug target for the herpes virus that causes Kaposi's sarcoma, re-opening the possibility of using the class of drugs called protease inhibitors against the full herpes... Read more »

Connect With Others

kaposi's sarcoma

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

If a Kaposi's sarcoma is diagnosed, is it an important thing to
treat? I guess the question is, will other things kill a person
first?....Is this a sign that the end is in sight? What relevence
is a Kaposi's... Read more »

What are the symptoms of Kaposi's Sarcoma?

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

Is it possible for a person to develop KS less than a year after infection?

Here is my story. I had a risky encounter in November 05. Within 2 weeks I had tingling in my hands and feet (still do). I developed ringing in my ears and soreness under... Read more »

Kaposi's Sarcoma in aids

Posted by Anonymous

I posted something yesterday and i have seen many people look at it however no responses could someone please respond!!!Also i will reword it...My brother inlaw has aids and these leasions are present when does this usually happen?Early or late... Read more »

Kaposi Sarcoma

Posted by Anonymous

I have KS and was diagnosed in August 2001, and shortly thereafter was tested for HIV and was positive. My t-cells are in the 600s and I have been undetectable since Sept. 2001. My KS are on my right ankle. About every 9 months I get a new, but... Read more »

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