ORAL KAPOSI'S SARCOMA IN AN HIV-POSITIVE PATIENT: AN EXUBERANT AND WIDESPREAD CASE REPORT

Abstract

A 26-year-old male sought an oral medicine service, presenting with multiple lesions in the oral cavity and skin. The patient had recently been diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Laboratory tests showed an evident CD4 cell deficiency and an elevated viral load (337,000 copies/mL). Intraoral examination revealed multiple bluish-purple nodules and red plaques on the hard palate lasting 8 months. Purple spots and papules on the nose and trunk were also observed. The diagnostic hypothesis was Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. An incisional biopsy of the oral lesions was performed. Microscopic examination revealed a proliferation of spindle cells and numerous vascular channels with irregular, dilated thin walls, hemorrhage, and hemosiderin deposition. Immunohistochemistry showed tumor cells positive for human herpesvirus 8. The diagnosis was KS. The patient is currently undergoing chemotherapy with doxorubicin and shows evident signs of lesion remission.