1. Understanding Classic Kaposi's Sarcoma
The classic form of this rare cancer was, for many years, the only type seen in Western countries. It has historically affected men, primarily of Eastern European Jewish or Italian heritage. However, in recent years, the number of women affected by the condition has increased. You can identify this variant of Kaposi's sarcoma by the location and behavior of the lesions it causes. Warning signs and symptoms include lesions on your hands or arms or on your legs, ankles or feet (particularly the soles). If left untreated, they slowly grow and spread over a period of about 10 to 15 years. As they grow, your lesions may begin to exert strain and pressure on your veins, arteries and lymph vessels, causing swelling in affected regions of the body. Doctors have also noted that classic Kaposi's sarcoma is sometimes characterized by lesions forming in the lymph nodes or gastrointestinal tract--though these are usually asymptomatic.
2. Endemic Variant of Kaposi's Sarcoma
When a different variant of Kaposi's sarcoma was discovered, one that affected people living primarily in the equatorial regions of Africa, doctors realized that the classic form of the disease wasn't the only one. Like the classic variant, endemic, or African, Kaposi's sarcoma affects men much more than women. However, these lesions don't spread, nor do they cause any secondary symptoms. If anything, they penetrate down into the skin and spread into the bones.
3. Acquired Form of Kaposi's Sarcoma
A third variant of Kaposi's sarcoma affects organ transplant patients. Doctors believe that it strikes these patients when their immune systems are weakened following major surgeries. Acquired Kaposi's sarcoma usually doesn't spread deeper into the body, with the lesions remaining at the skin level. In rare cases, it can spread internally or into the mucus membranes. If you need an organ transplant, talk to your doctor about your risk for acquired Kapsoi's sarcoma--you're 200 times more likely to get it after an organ transplant than you are as a healthy member of the general population.
4. Identify Epidemic Kaposi's Sarcoma
With the rise of HIV/AIDS, a new form of Kaposi's sarcoma appeared. This is the most dramatic of the four variants, as lesions can appear throughout the body, growing and spreading rapidly. You're also susceptible to lesions on the mouth, lymph nodes, lung, spleen and liver if you develop the epidemic form of this disease.
If you are an HIV or AIDS patient, you should understand that the condition sometimes shows no warning signs or symptoms beyond unexplained weight loss and swollen lymph nodes. Your prognosis is better now, thanks to improvements in AIDS treatments.
