Kaposi sarcoma is a type of cancer that develops from cells lining blood and lymph vessels. While it can appear anywhere, its presence on the face is often noticeable and can cause concern due to its visibility. The condition’s appearance can vary based on its stage and the individual’s health.
Recognizing Facial Kaposi Sarcoma
Early Kaposi sarcoma lesions on the face often begin as discolored spots or patches on the skin. These lesions commonly appear purple, red, or brown, and may initially be flat. They can also present as bluish-red or purple bumps due to their rich blood supply.
Over time, these flat patches may evolve into slightly raised plaques or firm nodules. Their texture can vary from smooth to scaly. While usually painless, they can sometimes ulcerate and become painful. Lesions may appear on the nose, eyelids, and ears. Visual assessment alone is not enough for diagnosis.
Underlying Causes and Risk Factors
Kaposi sarcoma is caused by infection with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). While many individuals carry HHV-8, most do not develop Kaposi sarcoma. The virus typically leads to cancer in individuals with weakened immune systems.
A compromised immune system allows HHV-8 to multiply, increasing the likelihood of Kaposi sarcoma. Risk factors include HIV/AIDS, as the virus can reactivate when the immune system is suppressed. Organ transplant recipients taking immunosuppressive medications are also at risk, as these drugs weaken the immune system. Older men of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, or Eastern European descent also have a higher incidence of classic Kaposi sarcoma.
Diagnosis and Medical Evaluation
If suspicious lesions appear on the face, consulting a healthcare professional is necessary. A doctor will perform a physical examination, noting any changes or lumps on the skin and inside the mouth.
The definitive diagnosis of Kaposi sarcoma involves a biopsy of the lesion. A small tissue sample is removed from the affected area and examined by a pathologist under a microscope. This confirms the presence of Kaposi sarcoma cells and distinguishes it from other skin conditions, such as bacterial infections or other cancers.
Treatment Approaches
Treatment for early Kaposi sarcoma on the face depends on the number, size, and location of lesions, as well as the patient’s overall health and immune status. For localized facial lesions, various local treatments are considered.
These include cryotherapy, which uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy cancerous cells, useful for small, superficial lesions. Radiation therapy can kill cancer cells or inhibit their growth. Topical chemotherapy, such as alitretinoin gel, can be applied directly to the skin. Surgical excision, where the lesion is cut out with a margin of healthy tissue, is another option for a few small lesions. For more widespread or rapidly progressing disease, systemic treatments like chemotherapy or immunotherapy may be considered, but the focus for early facial lesions remains on localized interventions.