Kaposi Sarcoma: Single Center 10 Years Of Experience

Aim: Kaposi sarcoma is a rare angioproliferative disease associated with human herpesvirus-8. There are limited studies in our country regarding its epidemiology and clinical features. This study aims to explore cases diagnosed with Kaposi sarcoma at Sivas Cumhuriyet University Medical Faculty Research Hospital. Materials and Methods: The records of patients (n:18) diagnosed with Kaposi sarcoma between January 1, 2013, and June 30, 2023, in the Department of Medical Pathology were retrospectively reviewed. When recurrences were considered, the total number of cases increased to 27. The clinical, histopathological, and demographic characteristics of the patients were examined. Results:The mean age of the patients was 69.3±13.3 years (range:32–88). Thirteen patients (72.2%) were male, and five (27.7%) were female. None of the patients had a history of HIV. Of the lesions, 66.6% (n=12) were localized in the lower extremities, 22.2% (n=4) in the upper extremities, and 11.1% (n=2) in non-extremity regions. Histopathological examination revealed that 72.7% (n=13) of the patients were in the tumor (nodule) stage, 22.2% (n=4) in the patch stage, and 5.6% (n=1) in the plaque stage. All patients were treated surgically. Among the recurrence cases, a total of nine cases involved five patients. Additional diseases observed in the patients included heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Conclusion:To better evaluate the demographic data and clinical features of Kaposi sarcoma in our country, multicenter studies are needed, as well as increased awareness of this disease among relevant physicians.