Kaposi’s sarcoma is a well-known vascular tumor first described by Moriz Kaposi in 1872.It is an unusual vascular neoplasm that most likely arises from endothelial cells, with some evidence of lymphatic origin. Among the various clinical forms of KS recognized, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) associated KS is the most aggressive form.With the vast majority of the patients discovered to date have been HIV infected homosexual men, although a few heterosexual males and females have been afflicted as well.
Lesions of KS typically manifests as bluish-purple macules and plaques on the skin, particularly of the face and lower extremities. Oral mucosa, lymph nodes and visceral organs may be affected, sometimes without cutaneous involvement. Although any mucosal site may be involved; the hard palate, gingiva and tongue are affected most frequently. Of significance is that, oral lesion may be the initial site of involvement (nearly 20-25% cases) or the only site or the first indication of HIV infection.
