Classical (HIV-negative) cutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma: a case report and a short review of the literature

Classical Kaposi's sarcoma is a sporadic disease with a markedly higher inc idence in the Mediterranean area. The two original forms of this disease, t he Caucasian (classical) and the African, are now well-documented entities. The immunosuppression-related form is a new, recently described subset of the disease, arising from the human immune deficiency virus (HIV) infection and/or the widespread use of immunosuppressive treatments. Cutaneous lesio ns are the most common manifestation of classical Kaposi's sarcoma. The case described in the present report is characterised by a history of s lowly evolving disease affecting the lower extremities without spread to th oracic or abdominal organs, a lengthy remission following initial radiation therapy, and local relapse with a further remission after a second course of radiation. Current treatments, in particular radiation therapy, achieve disease control or at least control of disease-related symptoms (mainly pai n) in most cases, even when cure is not possible.