Kaposi's sarcoma was a rare cancer before the AIDS epidemic. However, Kaposi's sarcoma is the most common cancer in HIV-infected patients. Epidemiological studies have shown that 95% of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma occur in homosexual and bisexual men. Kap[osi's sarcoma is rare in HIV-infected women, IV drug users and haemophilia patients. Kaposi's sarcoma in women is seen in those whose sexual partners are bisexual men.  These observations suggested that Kaposi's sarcoma was caused by a sexually transmitted agent. Recent studies have shown this to be the human herpes virus type 8.

( Classic Kaposi sarcoma occurs in older people, often of Eastern European or Medoterranean ancestry. Bluish to reddish purple macules , plaques and nodules develop. This can involve any part of the skin or mucous membranes but typically occur on the feet and the lower leg. The lesions progress only slowly over the years. Visceral involvement is rare.)

AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma is characterized by widespread lesions in the skin and mucous membranes, frequent visceral involvement and a more rapidly progressive clinical course. Skin lesions appear as red or purplish macules or nodules. The lesions are usually multiple and may coalesce to form extensive plaques of tumour. Lymphatic involvement leads to local oedema. The mucous membranes of the mouth and pharynx are usually affected. Extracutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma may involve any tissue but the common sites are lungs, lymph nodes, and the gastrointestinal tract. Pulmonary Kaposi's sarcoma causes progressive dyspnoea,  and intractable cough with a diffuse interstitial infiltrate on chest x-ray. Pulmonary Kaposi's sarcoma responds poorly to treatment and often leads to death with respiratory failure. Gastrointestinal Kaposi's sarcoma usually occur in the stomach and duodenum and may cause obstruction and bleeding, but are often asymtomatic. Diagnosis is made by biopsy.

Indications for treatment include cosmetic concerns for unsightly lesions and the palliation of symptoms for painful or bulky lesions and those causing oedema or visceral obstruction and bleeding. Unlike many other cancers, active anticancer therapy has little effect on survival. Death is usually due to opportunistic infection

Local therapies employed include excision, cryotherapy, laser treatment, photodynamic therapy, intralesional injections of cytotoxic or sclerosing agents and radiotherapy. Radiotherapy has a high respond rate. Systemic therapy with chemotherapy, biological responds modifiers and a range of other research agents have been used. Recently, chemotherapy programs using liposomal doxorubicin, or using lower doses and less myelosuppressive drugs have resulted in good responds rates.

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