Review

Kaposi sarcoma in unusual locations

Liron Pantanowitz¹ and Bruce J Dezube²

¹  Department of Pathology, Baystate Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Springfield, MA, USA

²  Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

author email corresponding author email

BMC Cancer 2008, 8:190doi:10.1186/1471-2407-8-190

Published:	7 July 2008

Abstract

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a multifocal, vascular lesion of low-grade malignant potential that presents most frequently in mucocutaneous sites. KS also commonly involves lymph nodes and visceral organs. This article deals with the manifestation of KS in unusual anatomic regions. Unusual locations of KS involvement include the musculoskeletal system, central and peripheral nervous system, larynx, eye, major salivary glands, endocrine organs, heart, thoracic duct, urinary system and breast. The development of KS within wounds and blood clots is also presented. KS in these atypical sites may prove difficult to diagnose, resulting in patient mismanagement. Theories to explain the rarity and development of KS in these unusual sites are discussed.