Classic Kaposi Sarcoma: A Comprehensive Case Report on Multisite Involvements and Therapeutic Strategies

Abstract

Classic Kaposi sarcoma (CKS), a variant of Kaposi sarcoma (KS), predominantly affects elderly men of Mediterranean and Ashkenazi descent. It is primarily seen in immunocompetent patients, often as cutaneous manifestations in the lower extremities. Treatment of CKS ranges from radiation therapy, chemotherapeutic agents, surgical excision, cryosurgery, and immunotherapy, and the treatment selection is contingent on disease-specific manifestations. This study presents the case of an 83-year-old immunocompetent male of Mediterranean descent, diagnosed with CKS five years ago, exhibiting an onset of painful violaceous papulonodular lesions on the right medial plantar surface and painless papulonodular lesions on the right upper arm and medial thigh. The case highlights the intricacies of CKS diagnosis and management, shedding light on the diverse treatments targeted for lesions across various anatomical locations.

Keywords: classic kaposi sarcoma; clinical dermatology; hhv-8; kaposi sarcoma hiv negative; kaposi sarcoma treatment.

Figure 1. Violaceous papulonodular lesions on the right medial plantar surface.

Figure 2. (a) Solitary papulonodular lesion on the right upper arm. (b) Solitary papulonodular lesion on the right medial thigh.

Figure 3. Shaved biopsy at the right medial plantar surface reveals spindle cell proliferation with mitosis, heightened vascularity, and red blood cell extravasation.

Figure 4. HHV-8 stain performed confirming the diagnosis of CKS.

HHV-8: human herpesvirus-8; CKS: classic Kaposi sarcoma