THE IMPORTANCE OF DENTISTRY ON THE DIAGNOSIS OF HIV: A CASE REPORT OF ORAL KAPOSI´S SARCOMA

Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS) associated with HIV is characteristic of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is estimated that 20% of HIV-positive individuals have KS, with the initial site of presentation being the mouth. Furthermore, about 70% of those diagnosed with HIV will have the oral cavity affected by the neoplasm at some point during the progression of the disease. The manifestation of this neoplasm in the mouth can be the first observed sign of HIV infection. This study reports the diagnosis of HIV in a 41-year-old patient with multiple nodular, erythematous, purplish lesions and plaques on the hard palate, oral mucosa, retromolar trigone, and lateral borders of the tongue, with a 4-month history of evolution, referred for evaluation at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) Service at HU-UFSC. Oral KS-AIDS is best treated with Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy early after diagnosis. Although the sarcoma cells are radiosensitive, radiotherapy for oral sarcoma treatment may be contraindicated due to severe mucositis. Currently, anthracyclines and liposomal taxanes have been suggested as systemic treatment in the early stages of KS development while the CD4 T-cell count is relatively high to reduce the sarcoma progression rate. This study reports the diagnosis of HIV in a 41-year-old patient with KS lesions in the oral cavity referred for evaluation in the OMS Service at HU-UFSC.