Primary Kaposi sarcoma of the subcutaneous tissue
Author Department
Pathology
Document Type
Article, Peer-reviewed
Publication Date
9-1-2008
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Involvement of the subcutis by Kaposi sarcoma (KS) occurs primarily when cutaneous KS lesions evolve into deep penetrating nodular tumors. Primary KS of the subcutaneous tissue is an exceptional manifestation of this low-grade vascular neoplasm. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a unique case of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-associated KS manifesting primarily in the subcutaneous tissue of the anterior thigh in a 43-year-old male, which occurred without overlying visible skin changes or concomitant KS disease elsewhere. Radiological imaging and tissue biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of KS. CONCLUSION: This is the first documented case of primary subcutaneous KS occurring in the setting of AIDS. The differential diagnosis of an isolated subcutaneous lesion in an human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individual is broad, and requires both imaging and a histopathological diagnosis to guide appropriate therapy.
Recommended Citation
Pantanowitz L, Mullen J, Dezube BJ. Primary Kaposi sarcoma of the subcutaneous tissue World J Surg Oncol 2008 Sep;6(94):1-4.