Our Five Years of Kaposi’s Sarcoma Experience: Which Histopathological Parameters are More Valuable in Diagnosis?

Abstract

Objective: Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is a vascular proliferation associated with Human Herpes Virus 8. Typical histopathological findings of KS are characterized by vascular proliferation, inflammatory cell infiltration, extravasated erythrocytes and spindle cell proliferation, although it varies according to the stage. In this study, the clinical-histopathological features of patients with KS were examined. The value of histopathological parameters in the diagnosis was investigated. Methods: Patients with KS diagnosed in University of Health Sciences Turkey, Samsun Training and Research Hospital Medical Pathology Department between 2016-2020 were retrospectively scanned. Clinical and tumor features and histopathological changes in the surrounding tissue were evaluated. Results: The most common histopathological features belonging to tumor were extravasated erythrocytes, spindle cell changes, fascicle formation, slit-like space; the most common epidermal features were hyperkeratosis and acanthosis; the most common peritumoral features were the presence of large vessels and ectatic vessels in the periphery. There was a significant relationship between the promontory sign and the lymphangioma-like area and ulcer. Also there was a significant relationship between nuclear atypia and lymphangioma-like area. Conclusion: While most of the histopathological features are characteristic for KS, none of them alone is specific. They should be evaluated together with all structural, tumoral and peritumoral features during the diagnostic approach.

Keywords

• kaposi’s sarcoma
• vascular tumor
• histopathology
• human herpes virus 8
• hhv-8
• promontory sign