Kaposi’s Sarcoma is a type of cancer that causes abnormal tissue growth, usually appearing as red or purple patches on the skin or in the mouth.

• Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, are at higher risk.
• Organ transplants: Those who take immunosuppressive medications after an organ transplant are more likely to develop Kaposi's Sarcoma.
• Genetics: There may be a genetic predisposition in some populations, particularly those of Mediterranean or Eastern European descent.
• Geographic region: Kaposi’s Sarcoma is more common in certain regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa.

• People with HIV/AIDS: Kaposi's Sarcoma is more common in individuals with weakened immune systems due to HIV.
• Organ transplant recipients: People on immune-suppressing medications after transplants are at higher risk.
• Older men of Mediterranean or Eastern European descent: This form of Kaposi's Sarcoma tends to affect older men, particularly in these regions.
• People living in certain regions of Africa: In sub-Saharan Africa, Kaposi's Sarcoma is more prevalent due to widespread HHV-8 infection.

• Red or purple spots on the skin: These patches, called lesions, can appear anywhere on the body, particularly on the legs, feet, face, or inside the mouth.
• Swollen lymph nodes: The cancer may cause swelling in lymph nodes, leading to noticeable lumps under the skin.
• Gastrointestinal symptoms: If Kaposi’s Sarcoma affects the digestive system, symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, or gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Breathing difficulties: In cases where the lungs are affected, shortness of breath, coughing, or chest pain may occur.

• Severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing: If Kaposi’s Sarcoma affects the lungs, this can cause breathing problems that require urgent care.
• Significant gastrointestinal bleeding: Signs such as black, tarry stools or vomiting blood could indicate bleeding from lesions in the digestive tract.
• Rapidly spreading or painful lesions: If lesions grow or spread quickly, or if they become painful, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly.

• Physical examination: A doctor will examine any visible lesions on the skin or in the mouth and ask about symptoms like breathing difficulties or digestive issues.
• Biopsy: A small sample of the abnormal tissue is taken and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
• Imaging tests: If there are signs that Kaposi’s Sarcoma may be affecting internal organs, doctors may order imaging tests like chest X-rays, CT scans, or endoscopy to check for lesions in the lungs or digestive tract.

• Antiretroviral therapy (ART): For individuals with HIV, controlling the virus through ART is often the first step in managing Kaposi’s Sarcoma. By improving the immune system, ART can help reduce the growth of lesions.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs can be used to target and shrink Kaposi’s Sarcoma lesions, especially if they are widespread or affecting internal organs.
• Radiation therapy: For more localized lesions, radiation therapy may be used to destroy cancer cells and reduce symptoms.
• Immunotherapy: Drugs that help boost the immune system’s ability to fight cancer, such as interferon-alpha, may be used in certain cases.
• Surgery: In some cases, doctors may remove lesions through surgery, especially if they are causing discomfort or bleeding.

• Persistent or rapidly growing skin lesions: If you notice red or purple patches that grow quickly or spread.
• Difficulty breathing or persistent coughing: These symptoms may indicate Kaposi’s Sarcoma in the lungs and require urgent care.
• Unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding or pain: If you notice black, tarry stools or experience severe abdominal pain, this could signal internal lesions.

• HIV management: For people living with HIV, keeping the virus under control through antiretroviral therapy (ART) is essential. A well-managed immune system significantly lowers the risk of developing Kaposi's Sarcoma.
• Safe sex practices: Since Kaposi’s Sarcoma is linked to human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections can help prevent HHV-8 transmission.
• Limit immune suppression after transplants: For individuals who have had an organ transplant, doctors may try to minimize the use of immunosuppressive drugs, where possible, to lower the risk of developing Kaposi’s Sarcoma.
• Monitor skin and body changes: People at higher risk, especially those with a weakened immune system, should regularly check for any unusual skin changes or lesions and seek medical advice early.

• Routine health monitoring: Regular health check-ups, especially for those with compromised immune systems, can help detect Kaposi’s Sarcoma early and improve treatment outcomes.
• Healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol use can strengthen the immune system, helping the body resist infections, including HHV-8.
• Prevent infections: For individuals at risk, taking steps to avoid infections—such as practicing good hygiene and staying up to date with vaccinations—can support immune health and lower the risk of Kaposi's Sarcoma.