KAPOSI'S SARCOMA

Date

1986

Description

Kaposi sarcoma on a patient's right heel displaying the familiar characteristic violaceous cutaneous plaques indicative of this disease.
Kaposi sarcoma, is a malignant tumor of the lymphatic endothelium caused by the Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8), i.e., Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), and arises from a cancer of the lymphatic endotheial lining. It is characterized by bluish-red cutaneous nodules. Kaposi's sarcoma is thought of as an opportunistic infection, affecting patients whose immune systems have been compromised, as in the case of patients with HIV/AIDS.

Source

Public Health Image Library