Oral Kaposis sarcoma report of 4 cases

Abstract

Oral Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS) presents a significant diagnostic challenge and is an important indicator of HIV/AIDS. This study aims to present a case series involving 4 male patients with a mean age of 28.5 years (range 22-39). The patients exhibited reddish, ulcerated, and bleeding lesions on the hard palate and gingiva, along with disseminated lesions. Incisional biopsies revealed spindle cell proliferation and slit-like vascular spaces, with immunohistochemistry positive for CD34 and HHV-8 markers, confirming the diagnosis of KS. For 2 patients, oral KS was the initial sign of HIV infection, which was also indicated by increased viral loads and decreased CD4/T cell counts. All patients were referred for treatment and have been under follow-up for an average of 30.5 months (range 2-48). This highlights the importance of recognizing oral KS as an early indicator of HIV and advocates for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary management approach to systemic diseases.