Kaposi Sarcoma

Abstract

This chapter describes Kaposi sarcoma which has been a significant public health problem in sub-Saharan African nations. The epidemic variant of Kaposi sarcoma is regarded as an AIDS-defining illness. Kaposi sarcoma is causally linked to Human herpes virus-8 (HHV8) which is also called Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) and presents with cutaneous and visceral manifestations. The chapter discusses the epidemiology of Kaposi sarcoma and its variants, clinical manifestations, staging, diagnosis (histology, immunohistochemistry and molecular testing), etiopathogenesis, and potential modes of transmission. In addition, it also describes the epidemiology and life cycle of HHV8/KSHV and how the virus strikes a delicate balance with the host’s immune system to create a long-lasting latent infection. Finally, the chapter describes the multi-modality management of Kaposi sarcoma for localised and disseminated disease, the prevention and early detection aspects of the disease and the quality of life of the patients with Kaposi sarcoma. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2023.