Kaposi’s Sarcoma

Epidemiology

Kaposi’s sarcoma is a vascular neoplastic disorder characterized by multiple violaceous nodules on the skin of the upper and lower extremities. The disease has become more common due to its strong association with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). There are three forms of Kaposi’s sarcoma. The most common form in the United States is the AIDs-related type. A second type is the classic form that is most common in elderly men (3:1) of Jewish or Mediterranean descent. There is also a third type of the disease seen in Central Africa. This latter form has a striking male predominance (10–15:1); often affects younger individuals, including children and adolescents, and has a poor prognosis.

Clinical Findingss

Most patients with laryngeal involvement often present with the classic skin lesions. The most common laryngeal location of Kaposi’s sarcoma is the epiglottis. The presenting symptoms include dysphonia, dyspnea, and dysphagia.

Pathology