Other Types of Skin Cancer: Kapos Sarcoma
What is Kaposi sarcoma?
Kaposi sarcoma is a cancer that starts in the skin's blood vessels. Kaposi sarcoma comes in two forms: a slow-growing form, and a more aggressive, faster-spreading form. The slow-growing form usually starts as a purple or dark-brown, flat or raised, area on the lower leg. The more aggressive form of Kaposi sarcoma starts as a pink, red, or purple, round or oval, spot anywhere on the body, and may affect internal organs.
Who is at risk for Kaposi sarcoma?
Classic Kaposi sarcoma. A slower-growing form of the disease that is more common in older people, especially those of European, Italian, or Middle Eastern descent.
African Kaposi sarcoma. This can be slow-growing or more aggressive, and often affects children and young men in African nations near the equator.
Transplant-related Kaposi sarcoma. This occurs in people receiving immune-suppressing drugs, such as those administered after organ transplants.
Epidemic (AIDS-related) Kaposi sarcoma. An aggressive form of the disease that occurs in people with AIDS.