Radiation treatment of oral epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma lesions: potential adverse effects

Epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma, which has consistently been the most prevalent malignancy in people with HIV disease, frequently presents with lesions in the oral cavity. Guidelines for treating oropharyngeal lesions with radiotherapy are ubiquitous in the literature. Treatment indications include pain, dysphagia, and obstruction. Radiotherapy dosage and fractionation differ from that prescribed for non HIV-infected people. Current literature reveals better treatment outcomes for people infected with HIV if treatment is managed by practitioners experienced in HIV care. This article presents a review of the literature and a case study of a HIV-infected patient who experienced severe adverse effects of irradiation.