Diagnosis
A biopsy, i.e. a tissue sample, is essential for the diagnosis of Kaposi’s sarcoma. This is evaluated histopathologically. In addition, as already described, there must be an immune deficiency.
This is the case with AIDS. If HIV infection is confirmed and dark skin nodes also appear, the diagnosis of Kaposi’s sarcoma is obvious. If the suspicion of a so-called dissemination, i.e. a spread of the tumor to the internal organs, is confirmed, it can be visualized by means of CT, X-ray thorax and abdominal sonography.
I recognize Kaposi sarcoma by these symptoms
Kaposi’s sarcoma is primarily characterized by the appearance of many blue or blue-red, up to palm-sized patches that form on the skin surface. These vascular conglomerates occur more frequently on the legs, but also on the face, oral mucosa and trunk area. In the course of the disease, the skin nodes enlarge, and painful ulcerations and open sores may also develop.
If Kaposi’s sarcoma spreads to the lymphatic vessels, massive edema can occur. This means that water accumulates in the body, especially on the legs. These therefore swell up.
If there is a gastrointestinal infestation, gastrointestinal bleeding may occur. This is then manifested by vomiting blood or tarry stools. The development of sarcoma on the skin and in the gastrointestinal tract can occur side by side, but also individually.
These are signs in the early stages
The signs of early-stage Kaposi’s sarcoma depend on which organ the sarcoma first attacks, as well as the location of the sarcoma. If the skin is affected, multiple vascular nodules appear, which can grow and spread in the course of the disease. These nodules can be painful, but are not always painful.If Kaposi’s sarcoma manifests itself in the gastrointestinal tract, patients are often initially asymptomatic. In the further course of the disease, bleeding of the stomach or intestine may occur. This is then manifested by tarry stools or vomiting blood.
