Progressive Changes of Kaposi's Sarcoma of the Gingiva and Palate

Abstract

As the incidence of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases is rapidly increasing, it is expected that the oral lesions of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) related to AIDS will be encountered more frequently. The progressive changes of KS of the gingiva and palate are described in an AIDS patient who has been monitored for 7 months. In the initial stage, the oral manifestations of KS can be confused with various other lesions. The histopathological appearance includes proliferating slit-like vascular channels and scattered macrophages containing numerous hyaline, eosinophilic granules. Rapid neoplastic proliferation seems to be related to cyclical episodes of impaired immunity.