Demographic and histopathologic study of Kaposi's sarcoma in a dermatology clinic in the years of 2006 to 2011

Abstract

Kaposi's sarcoma is a low-grade vascular tumor that its prevalence is increasing all around the world due to the increasing prevalence of HIV and organ transplantations. In this study, we assessed risk factors of Kaposi's sarcoma among Iranian patients were referred to Dermatopathology Department of Razi Hospital of Tehran University of Medical Sciences between the years of 2006 to 2011. Also, disease stages have been assessed on pathologic specimens. Thirty four patients diagnosed with Kaposi's sarcoma entered the study. Of the 34 patients, 29% were female, and 71% were male, mean age was 66 years and average disease duration was 6 months. The most common patient's pathologic stages were reported: patch 32%, patch to plaque 24%, plaque 12%. The most prevalent location of involvement was lower extremity (88%), and upper extremity was involved in 24%. At presentation time, the mean number of lesions was 3 to 4. 15% of patients had a history of smoking and 15% had a history of immunosuppressive drugs. HIV infection did not observe in the patients. Based on the present study, Kaposi's sarcoma is a disease of elderly and is higher in older men. The most common site of Kaposi's sarcoma involvement is lower extremity, and the most common pathologic stage was the patch to plaque.