HIV-associated oral Kaposi sarcoma and HHV-8: a review

Kaposi sarcoma is the most common malignant tumour associated with HIV infection. In the majority of cases oral tissues are involved and in 22% the initial presentation is in the oral cavity. The oral lesions are either single or multifocal, and the palate, gingiva and tongue are the sites most frequently involved. The pathogenesis of Kaposi sarcoma in HIV-seropositive subjects is complex. It involves interaction between human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) and HIV, altered cellular signal transduction pathways, and increased production of cytokines and growth factors. The multifactorial nature and clinical stages in the growth of oral Kaposi sarcoma are discussed.