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Primary classic Kaposi sarcoma of the thigh

  • Case Report
  • Published:
Hellenic Journal of Surgery

Abstract

Background

Classic-sporadic Kaposi’s sarcoma is a clinical variant of the broad spectrum of Kaposi’s sarcoma, and represents an angioproliferative rare disorder whose development is caused by human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infection; also known as Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). The tumour appears to have an indolent course and good prognosis.

Case Report

Herein, we present the rare case of a 90-year-old Greek woman who presented with a 5-month history of a painful indurated area in the lower inner half of her left thigh, covered with multiple red, brown and bluish plaques and nodules. Symptoms were not specific of the disease. Excisional biopsy of a lesion confirmed Kaposi’s sarcoma. Due to extensive disease, the patient was offered radiotherapy as apposite treatment. Three months later, the lesion displayed a remarkable remission.

Conclusions

Treatment for classic Kaposi’s sarcoma is not standard; it should be tailored to each individual case. Radiotherapy seems to offer the best treatment option for locally advanced symptomatic disease, while surgery may be of benefit to solitary or small superficial lesions. Despite the rarity of this tumour, surgeons, oncologists, and dermatologists need to be very suspicious when faced with such unusual lesions on the extremities.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Surgical Oncology Dept, Neo Athineo Hospital, Athens, Greece

    N. G. Kelessis

  2. Radiotherapy Dept, Medical Centre General Hospital, Athens, Greece

    G. D. Kritselis

  3. Pathology Dept, Neo Athineo Hospital, Athens, Greece

    K. D. Grigoriadis

  4. City University, London, UK

    T. E. Coclami

  5. Surgical Oncology Dept, Athens, Greece

    G. C. Economou

  6. 43 Metaxa str, Glyfada, 16674, Athens, Greece

    N. G. Kelessis

Authors
  1. N. G. Kelessis
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  2. G. D. Kritselis
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  3. K. D. Grigoriadis
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  4. T. E. Coclami
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  5. G. C. Economou
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Correspondence to N. G. Kelessis.

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Kelessis, N.G., Kritselis, G.D., Grigoriadis, K.D. et al. Primary classic Kaposi sarcoma of the thigh. Hellenic J Surg 86, 88–94 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13126-014-0103-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13126-014-0103-3

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