WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is Kaposi sarcoma? Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a type of skin cancer. KS may appear on any part of your skin. It can also be found in your lymph nodes, stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, lungs, and bones. KS may start in one area and spread to other areas of your body. What increases my risk for KS? You may be at risk if you have HIV, AIDS, or a human herpes virus-8 (HHV-8) infection. Medicines used during cancer treatment and organ transplants or steroids may also increase your risk for KS. What are the signs and symptoms of KS? The most common sign is red, purple, blue, or dark spots or sores on your skin. They may be located anywhere on your body, including in your mouth. You may have other symptoms depending on where KS is in your body. How is KS diagnosed? Your healthcare provider will examine your skin. He will take a sample of skin from one of your sores and send it to a lab for tests. A chest x-ray, CT scan, or MRI may show if KS is in other areas or organs of your body. You may be given contrast dye to help KS show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast dye. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body. How is KS treated? - Medicines are given to stop cancer cells from growing and to kill new cancer cells. Medicines may also help strengthen your immune system. If you have HIV or AIDS, you will be given medicine to treat the viral infection.
- Radiation therapy uses x-rays or gamma rays to treat cancer. Radiation kills cancer cells and may stop the cancer from spreading. It may be given alone or with chemotherapy.
- Cryotherapy is a treatment to freeze and remove areas of KS from your skin.
- Surgery may be done to remove KS if it is in an organ or other area that causes severe symptoms.
How can I manage my symptoms? - Care for your mouth. Brush your teeth twice daily. Floss your teeth regularly, and use mouthwash. This may decrease your risk for mouth pain and trouble eating and swallowing.
- Eat healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Ask if you need to be on a special diet.
- Wear support stockings and elevate your legs as directed by your healthcare provider to decrease swelling. Support stockings are also called compression garments. Support stockings are often worn during the day and removed at night. Ask your healthcare provider how to care for your skin.
- Go to physical therapy as directed. A physical therapist teaches you exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - You have a fever.
- You get more sores on your skin, or they are more painful or itch.
- You have increased fatigue or weakness.
- Your hands and feet are itchy, swollen, or painful.
- You have numbness or tingling in your hand or foot.
- You have trouble eating or swallowing.
- You have nausea or vomiting that will not stop.
- You have diarrhea or constipation, or blood in your bowel movement.
- Your leg is swollen and painful and makes it difficult to walk.
- You have bone pain or increased headaches.
- You cannot control when you urinate.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
When should I seek immediate care or call 911? - You have trouble breathing or cough up blood.
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