Kaposi's sarcoma (KS)

an abnormal or cancerous proliferation of cells and blood and/or lymph vessels causing tumors on the skin, mucous membranes and/or internal organs. KS typically appears as pink or purple flat or raised lesions. Types include classic KS, African KS, and AIDS-related or transplant-related KS. KS is associated with a herpesvirus (KSHV, or HHV-8). It occurs more commonly among HIV positive gay and bisexual men than among others with HIV disease, indicating that it may be sexually transmitted.

A type of cancer caused by an overgrowth of blood vessels, which causes pink or purple spots or small bumps on the skin. The condition can also occur inside the body, especially in the intestines, lymph nodes, and lungs. When inside the body, KS can be life threatening. In people infected with HIV, KS is considered an AIDS-defining condition. A virus called Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) or human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) is associated with Kaposi's sarcoma.
See Also: Kaposi's Sarcoma Herpesvirus