Childhood Kaposi's sarcoma in Papua New Guinea

Abstract

In the country of Papua New Guinea, with its diverse population of nearly 3 million people, some disease patterns have a strange similarity to those seen in tropical Africa. Kaposi's sarcoma is a condition which is commonly seen in adult males; childhood Kaposi's sarcoma is relatively uncommon. Six cases, all males, aged from 6 months to 12 years have been detected since 1978. The primary organ involvement included skin in four cases, oral cavity in one case and lymph node in one case. The varied clinico-pathological features are described. This is the first report of such cases from Papua New Guinea.