Oral Kaposi’s sarcoma in immunosuppressed patients – report of cases

Resumo

Kaposi sarcoma is a vascular neoplasm composed
of endothelium-lined vascular spaces and spindle-shaped cells. It
often manifests with multiple vascular nodules on the skin and
other organs. Kaposi sarcoma is rare in HIV negative patients and
it is associated with HHV-8 infection. There are four types: classic,
endemic, iatrogenic and HIV-associated. Patients with HIV/AIDS are
also at increased risk of developing Kaposi sarcoma. Objective: The
aim of this article is to present two cases of Kaposi sarcoma in the
hard palate of HIV/AIDS male patients. Case report and Conclusion:
Kaposi sarcoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of
any AIDS patient who presents with bluish, smooth, firm, nonpulsatile
macule or nodule in the region of the hard palate. Development of
Kaposi sarcoma in the oral cavity also has prognostic implications
for untreated HIV patients, who are found to have higher death rates
than patients affected only by cutaneous disease.