1. Understand the Progression of Kaposi's Sarcoma
If you get Kaposi's sarcoma, you may be asymptomatic for quite some time. The only signs that you have this rare form of cancer may initially be unexplained weight loss, swollen lymph nodes and perhaps a fever. It's actually possible to have the disease for months or even years before any other physical symptoms manifest themselves.
Should you suffer from HIV or AIDS, your doctor will consider the development of KS one of the early signs that your HIV infection has turned into full-blown AIDS. A specific variant of KS, called epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma, affects individuals with acquired immune deficiency diseases.
2. The Characteristic Skin Lesions
With time, you'll start to spot skin lesions. In most cases, these purplish lesions will start in a localized area--in classic KS, they're usually limited to the arms, hands, legs and feet at first. The exception is in cases of epidemic KS. AIDS patients who develop this form of cancer frequently experience lesions all over their faces and bodies.
As the disease progresses, these lesions spread across the skin and, in some cases, to internal organs and structures including the mucus membranes, gastrointestinal tract, bones, liver and lungs. Sometimes, swelling occurs as a byproduct of the lesions, inhibiting blood and lymph vessels from doing their jobs.
3. Complications and Additional Symptoms of Complicated Cases
Most times, the spread of the disease into internal parts of the body causes no additional symptoms, but there are exceptions. If you have Kaposi's sarcoma that's spread to your gastrointestinal tract, you might develop an ulcer. Similarly, advanced cases of lung lesions may leave you feeling short of breath.
While getting a diagnosis and beginning treatment soon after you first spot signs of KS can help, the disease isn't considered curable. Both treated and untreated patients can survive over for a long time after diagnosis, though the disease can also be fatal. It depends on your body's response to the disease and treatment program, as well as your overall health and strength.
