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Published in: World Journal of Surgical Oncology 1/2008

Open Access 01-12-2008 | Case report

Primary Kaposi sarcoma of the subcutaneous tissue

Authors: Liron Pantanowitz, John Mullen, Bruce J Dezube

Published in: World Journal of Surgical Oncology | Issue 1/2008

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Abstract

Background

Involvement of the subcutis by Kaposi sarcoma (KS) occurs primarily when cutaneous KS lesions evolve into deep penetrating nodular tumors. Primary KS of the subcutaneous tissue is an exceptional manifestation of this low-grade vascular neoplasm.

Case presentation

We present a unique case of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-associated KS manifesting primarily in the subcutaneous tissue of the anterior thigh in a 43-year-old male, which occurred without overlying visible skin changes or concomitant KS disease elsewhere. Radiological imaging and tissue biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of KS.

Conclusion

This is the first documented case of primary subcutaneous KS occurring in the setting of AIDS. The differential diagnosis of an isolated subcutaneous lesion in an human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individual is broad, and requires both imaging and a histopathological diagnosis to guide appropriate therapy.
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Metadata
Title
Primary Kaposi sarcoma of the subcutaneous tissue
Authors
Liron Pantanowitz
John Mullen
Bruce J Dezube
Publication date
01-12-2008
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
World Journal of Surgical Oncology / Issue 1/2008
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7819
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7819-6-94

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