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June 2002
 Kaposi sarcoma
Kaposi sarcoma is a vascular, malignant tumor that can involve the skin,
mucous membranes, or internal organs. The palate is a common site of oral
involvement. Hard palate lesions may interfere with eating or speaking.
Oral lesions often are observed in association with other gastrointestinal
lesions, which can contribute to intractable diarrhea. Lesions often are
purple or brown in color, and can be flat, raised, or nodular. Although
uncommon in HIV-infected children in the United States, Kaposi sarcoma is
observed with some frequency in HIV-infected African and Romanian
children. Kaposi sarcoma in adults is associated with human herpes virus 8
(HHV-8) infection.
Oral Kaposi sarcoma lesions can be treated with intralesional vinblastine,
topical application of liquid nitrogen, or radiotherapy. Lesions sometimes
resolve when children receive highly-active antiretroviral therapy
Kaposi lesions can be very friable. In addition to the lesion pictured
here, Dmitry was noted to have a rapidly growing lesion at the base of his
tongue. Prior to initiation of specific therapy, this lesion began to
bleed, leading quickly to fatal airway obstruction.
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