Nonepidemic Kaposi sarcoma: A recently proposed category

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is an indolent angioproliferative tumor thought to be dependent on viral replication, immune modulation, and inflammatory cytokines produced by infected endothelial and immune cells. Human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) is thought to cause KS and is documented in more than 95% of patients with KS. The skin is the most common site of presentation, although visceral disease, most commonly affecting the lungs and the gastrointestinal tract, may also occur. KS typically manifests as violaceous, dark brown or black macules, papules, and nodules on the lower extremities that are prone to bleeding and ulceration.