Kaposi sarcoma
(kuh-POH-zee sar-KOH-muh)
A type of
cancer in which lesions (abnormal areas) grow in the skin,
lymph nodes, lining of the mouth, nose, and throat, and
other tissues of the body. The lesions are usually purple
and are made of cancer cells, new blood vessels, and blood
cells. They may begin in more than one place in the body at
the same time. Kaposi sarcoma is caused by Kaposi
sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). In the United
States, it usually occurs in people who have a weak immune
system caused by AIDS or by drugs used in organ
transplants. It is also seen in older men of Jewish or
Mediterranean descent, or in young men in
Africa.