Kaposis Sarcoma

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a disease in which cancerous cells are found in the tissues under the skin or mucous membranes. It causes red, purple or even black blotches and lesions? and can spread to other organs in the body, often the [respiratory system]? or [gastrointestinal system]?.

Until the early 1980s, Kaposi's Sarcoma was very rare and found mainly in older men of Mediterranean or African origin (Classic KS) or patients who had organ transplants (Immunosuppressive treatment related KS). With the impact of AIDS it has become more common (Epidemic KS).

The disease is named after [Moritz Kaposi]? (1837-1902), an Hungarian dermatologist who first described the symptoms in 1872.