Updates on Kaposi sarcoma

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is an angioproliferative tumor that is associated with human herpesvirus 8 or Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes virus infection. KS typically presents in the skin as isolated or multiple, violaceous macules or papulonodular lesions or plaques. The four different KS clinical categories-classic, endemic, epidemic, or AIDS-related and iatrogenic KS-are heterogeneous in epidemiology, manifestations, and complications. Clinical features, diagnostic modalities, and therapeutic regimens for all types of KS are summarized in this review. It is important for clinicians to promptly recognize and approach the treatment of KS in a multidisciplinary fashion for optimal therapeutic outcomes. Newer targeted therapies based on its pathogenesis are being studied. Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a vascular tumor associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), also known as Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) infection. KS was first documented in 1872 by Moritz Kaposi, (1837-1902) a Hungarian dermatologist and physician, who described five cases of an atypical tumor that primarily affected the skin of the lower extremities of elderly men.¹ He described the tumors as "idiopathic multiple pigmented sarcoma of the skin," and this form of the disease later became known as sporadic or classic KS.¹.