Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, significantly increases the risk for certain types of cancer. Although multiple factors contribute to the development of all forms of cancer, HIV infection is a primary contributing factor in the development of cancers deemed AIDS-defining conditions by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Kaposi Sarcoma
The immune system has a body-wide network of lymph vessels, much like the circulatory system that transports blood. The lymph vessels provide a transport system for lymph fluid, which contains an abundance of immune cells. Kaposi sarcoma is cancer that arises from the lining cells of the lymph vessels. Kaposi sarcoma is rare, except among people with HIV infection. The National Cancer Institute Office of HIV and AIDS Malignancy reports that the incidence of Kaposi sarcoma among people with HIV is many times greater than that expected in the general population. In the cancer reference text "Clinical Oncology," Dr. Richard Ambinder explains that HIV-associated damage to the immune system allows unrestrained growth of another virus, the Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus. Uncontrolled infection with the Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus damages the lymph vessels, eventually leading to the development of cancer. Kaposi sarcoma typically arises in several different body locations simultaneously, presenting as painless purple plaques. The skin and moist body surfaces, or mucous membranes, are frequently involved. Lesions may also occur in the liver, lungs, spleen, intestines, stomach or lymph nodes. Kaposi sarcoma is an AIDS-defining illness, meaning the development of this cancer in a person with HIV infection indicates the transition to full-blown AIDS has occurred.
Lymphomas
Merck Medicus notes that people with HIV have an increased risk for different types of lymphomas. These cancers arise from lymphocytes, which are immune system cells. The risk for two specific types of lymphoma--non-Hodgkin lymphoma and lymphomas arising in the brain or spinal cord--proves particularly high. According to the National Cancer Institute Office of HIV and AIDS Malignancy, the incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and brain or spinal cord lymphoma among people with HIV infection is significantly greater than that expected in the general population. These forms of lymphoma are AIDS-defining illnesses.
Invasive Cervical Cancer
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists invasive cervical cancer as an AIDS-defining condition. The term "invasive" refers to cancer that has grown beyond the surface of the cervix. The risk of invasive cervical cancer among women with HIV infection is significantly greater than that expected in the general population of women, according to the National Cancer Institute Office of HIV and AIDS Malignancy. Cervical infection with the human papillomavirus increases the risk for development of cervical cancer in women with or without HIV infection.
References
- National Cancer Institute, Office of HIV and AIDS Malignancy: HIV-Associated Cancer Information
- "Clinical Oncology, Third Edition"; Martin D. Abeloff, M.D., et al., Editors; 2004
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: AIDS-Defining Conditions
- Merck Medicus: HIV/AIDS, AIDS-Defining Illnesses
- National Cancer Institute: Epidemic Kaposi Sarcoma
