African Kaposi sarcoma is a fairly common form of the disease found in young adult males who live near the equator in Africa. Symptoms of African Kaposi sarcoma can be the same as classic Kaposi sarcoma. However, African Kaposi sarcoma can also be found in a much more aggressive form that may cause sores on the skin and spread from the skin to the tissues to the bone. Another form of Kaposi sarcoma that is common in young children in Africa does not affect the skin but spreads through the lymph nodes to vital organs, and quickly becomes fatal.

This type of Kaposi sarcoma is not common in the United States and treatment information is not included in this summary.

Glossary Terms

A quickly growing cancer.

A type of cancer characterized by the abnormal growth of blood vessels that develop into skin lesions or occur internally.

A rounded mass of lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Lymph nodes filter lymph (lymphatic fluid), and they store lymphocytes (white blood cells). They are located along lymphatic vessels. Also called lymph gland.

A part of the body that performs a specific function. For example, the heart is an organ.

An indication that a person has a condition or disease. Some examples of symptoms are headache, fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and pain.

A group or layer of cells that work together to perform a specific function.

Necessary to maintain life. Breathing is a vital function.