A cancer formed by cells similar to those lining blood or lymph vessels. In the past, Kaposi's sarcoma was an uncommon cancer mostly seen in older people with no apparent immune system problems. It is most common in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), but it can also develop in organ transplant patients who are taking medication to suppress their immune system. It is probably related to infection with a virus called human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8).

	AIDS Relationship to Kaposi's Sarcoma "People with AIDS are particularly prone to developing various cancers, especially those caused by viruses such as Kaposi's sarcoma, cervical cancer or cancers of the immune system known as lymphomas..." Kaposi's Sarcoma The Condition "Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a type of malignant tumor of the blood vessels that develops most commonly on the skin and mucous membranes that line the mouth, nose and anus, but may also affect internal..." Soft Tissue Sarcoma The Condition "...The types of tumor that can develop from different soft tissues include ... Tumors of Blood Vessels and Lymph Vessels - Hemangiomas; lymphangiomas; angiosarcomas; Kaposi's sarcoma; hemangioendothelioma..."

Last updated: May 10, 2007