Kaposi's Sarcoma: A report of three cases

ABSTRACT

The classic type of Kaposi's sarcoma, or multifocal hemorrhagic sarcoma histologically characterized by proliferating fibroblastic and microvascular elements was described by Kaposi as a relatively rare neoplasm. During the past nine years, we experienced three cases of sporadic, classic Kaposi's sarcomas. They were presented as multiple papules, macules and nodules on the skin of the hands, lower logs and feet without systemic involvement. Histologically, Kaposi's sarcoma is divided into three stages, early patch, plaque and nodular stages. The nodular lesions(case 1, 2 and 3) showed extensive proliferatiion of spindle shaped, somewhat pleomorphic cells having dark prominent nuclei, proliferation of small vessels with solid aggregates of endothelial cells, and extravasation of erythrocytes. In early patch stage(case 3), widely dilated, anastomosing, thin-walled vascular spaces are noted in the upper half of the dermis. In plaque stage(case I and 3), there are proliferation of spindle shaped cells with extravasated erythrocytes and aggregates of blood vessels lined by prominent endothelial cells.