This information has been reviewed by:
Kate Wakelin, cancer nurse
This is a cancer that begins in the cells lining the lymph or blood vessels under the skin or in mucous membranes, including in the skin, lung, liver, digestive tract and the lining of the mouth and nose.
Kaposi's sarcoma is rare. Around 10 people are affected by this cancer each year in Victoria.
Most cases of Kaposi's sarcoma in Australia are caused by HIV infection, although it's not understood how HIV causes the cancer to grow.
People with Kaposi's sarcoma may have one or more red, purple, or brown skin lesions on the legs and feet. These may later grow in other places, such as the stomach, bowel, or lymph nodes. They may grow in size and number over 10 years or more. They may cause pressure which blocks lymph and blood flow and causes swelling.
When the tumours grow in the digestive tract, they can cause bleeding. Other symptoms can include tiredness, night sweats and weight loss.
If you have one of these symptoms, but have not been diagnosed with this cancer, remember that it is rare, and your symptom is likely to be due to something else. However, see your doctor if you have any symptom that persists for more than two weeks.
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