Types of Kaposi's sarcoma and their treatment

There are four main types of Kaposi's sarcoma. These types affect different groups of people and are treated in different ways. HIV-related Kaposi's sarcoma Although it's not as common as it used to be, Kaposi's sarcoma is still one of the main types of cancer to affect people with HIV. HIV-related Kaposi's sarcoma can progress very quickly if not treated. However, it can usually be controlled by taking HIV medication known as combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) to prevent HIV multiplying and allow the immune system to recover. The immune system can then reduce the levels of HHV-8 in the body. Ashkenazi Jews are descended from Jewish communities that lived in central and eastern Europe. Most Jewish people inthe UKare Ashkenazi Jews. It's thought people who develop classic Kaposi's sarcoma were born with a genetic vulnerability to the HHV-8 virus. Unlike the other types of Kaposi's sarcoma,the symptoms of classic Kaposi's sarcoma progress very slowly over many years and are usuallylimited to the skin. Immediate treatment isn't usually required because, in many cases, the condition doesn't affectlife expectancy. You'll usually be monitored carefully and only treated if the symptoms get significantly worse. Radiotherapy isoften used if treatment is required, although smallskin patches or nodules may be removed using minor surgery or cryotherapy (freezing). Transplant-related Kaposi's sarcoma Transplant-related Kaposi's sarcoma is a rare complication of an organ transplant .It occurs because the immunosuppressant medication used to weaken the immune system and help prevent the body rejecting the new organ can allow a previous HHV-8 infection to reactivate, which means levels of the virus increase as it starts multiplying again. Transplant-related Kaposi's sarcoma can be aggressive and usually needs to be treated quickly. It'snormally treated by reducing or stopping the immunosuppressants, if this is possible. If this is unsuccessful, radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be used. Endemic African Kaposi's sarcoma Endemic African Kaposi's sarcoma is common in parts of Africa and is one of the most widespread types of cancer in that region. Although this type of Kaposi's sarcoma is classified separately from HIV-related Kaposi's sarcoma, many cases may actually result from an undiagnosed HIV infection. All suspected cases thereforemust have an HIV test, as the most effective treatment in these cases is HIV medication. In cases not caused by HIV infection, this type of Kaposi's sarcoma may be the result of a genetic vulnerability to HHV-8. These cases are usually treated with chemotherapy, although sometimes radiotherapy may be used.
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