You don’t need a HIV infection nor AIDS to cause Kaposi’s sarcoma. Fundamentally, this cancer requires a particular herpes virus infection coupled with a weak immune system.
Kaposi’s sarcoma is a connective tissue cancer. And human herpes virus-8 is its precursor infection. Many infected with this herpes virus don’t grow these sarcoma tumors.
The HIV AIDS causal connection centers around immune system health. Human immunodeficiency virus causes an immune system problem that contributes to Kaposi’s sarcoma.
Along similar lines, organ transplant recipients taking immune suppression drugs can furnish the environment for a Karposi sarcoma opportunity. Yet, it’s essential that herpes virus infection be present as well.
Kaposi’s sarcoma ofttimes appears as a painless, purplish raised cancer lesion in your skin or mouth. However, it can develop internally, like in your:
- liver
- lungs
- abdomen
- gastrointestinal tract
If you lungs are attacked, then symptoms of dyspnea, cough and bloody sputum may arise. Gastrointestinal bleeding signals digestive tract involvement.
There are various methods for treating Karposi’s sarcoma. In some cases, the ART treatment for AIDS is all that’s needed.
The health benefit of AIDS treatment is improved immune status. This immune strengthening can shrink, or even get rid of, your Karposis caused skin and mouth cancer lesions. And possibly conquer any Karposi’s sarcoma internal organ issues.
A health aside: Herpes viruses are what cause your chickenpox, mono and oral or genital herpes.
