Kaposi Sarcoma — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModerateOral PathologyKaposi SarcomaNDEB AFK

A 50-year-old patient presents with a bluish-purple, flat, non-blanching lesion on the palatal mucosa. It has been present for several months and is asymptomatic. Medical history reveals HIV infection with a CD4 count of 180 cells/μL. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: A — Kaposi sarcoma

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is an AIDS-defining neoplasm caused by human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8). Oral KS commonly presents as red-purple to blue-brown macules, papules, or nodules on the hard palate and gingiva. It is the most common oral malignancy in HIV-positive patients. It may be flat (macular) in early stages or nodular in advanced disease. Treatment depends on extent and may include antiretroviral therapy, local excision, radiation, or chemotherapy.

Reference: Neville – Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, 4th ed., 2016