Kaposi's Sarcoma - Radiotherapeutic Aspects

摘要

Kaposi's sarcoma was first described by Moriz Kaposi in 1872. Later it became known that Kaposi's sarcoma is a malignant, multifocal proliferation of capillaries and perivascular connective tissue that may affect the skin and internal organs.Classic Kaposi's sarcoma most often appears in the elderly man of eastern European and Mediterranean origin. The foci mostly occur on the lower leg and tend to progress slowly. More advanced tumors may occlude the lymph vessels and thus cause edema of the limb involved. Endemic (African) Kaposi's sarcoma is a more aggressive form and frequently occurs in patients with younger age living in central Africa. The tumor is likely to involve lymph nodes, bones and viscera often leading to death within a few years. Transplant-related (iatro-genic) Kaposi's sarcoma occurs in immunosuppressed patients having received a transplant. Very often, the foci arise in the mucosa of the mouth or in the viscera.