HIV INDUCED KAPOSI SARCOMA DIAGNOSED AFTER ORAL CANCER SUSPICION BACKGROUND
– In Denmark Kaposi sarcoma is a rare type of cancer, which often manifests as pink-purple maculopapular cutaneous lesions, although it can also be developed in mucosa. Oral lesions particularly occur in patients with the epidemic (HIV/AIDS related) type of Kaposi sarcoma, but the frequency has been decreasing along with the introduction of antiretroviral treatment.
ASE STUDY
– A 53-year-old woman was referred from a private dentist to the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, due to a large malignant suspicious process in the hard palate. PET-CT scan showed tumour in the palate and in the left tonsil, and biopsies from both tumors diagnosed the patient with Kaposi sarcoma. The patient was subsequently diagnosed as HIV-positive.
CONCLUSION
– The discovery of malignant suspicious lesions may in rare cases be the first sign of an unidentified HIVinfection. Early diagnosis of Kaposi sarcoma and a possibly underlying HIV-infection is essential for the prognosis and opportunities for treatment.
