Skin changes can rarely feel like an issue. You may easily blame a small rash or spots on exposure to dust or pollutants. But sometimes these can be more than a skin infection. These skin changes can sometimes signal Kaposi sarcoma, a cancer that can affect your skin and other parts. This subtle nature of the disease can delay your treatment.
What exactly is Kaposi sarcoma?
Kaposi sarcoma is very rare. It can develop in the lining of your blood vessels. In the early stages, it can appear in the form of spots or patches on your skin. But later, it can affect your mouth or your lymph nodes. It usually progresses slowly, but its symptoms can vary depending on your health and immune system.
Common signs you should look for
The early symptoms of Kaposi sarcoma can vary. But there can be some common signs that you should look for. Those signs can usually appear on your skin or inside your mouth.
Purple or brown spots on your skin that can grow with time.
Swelling in your legs or feet.
A lesion inside your mouth can make eating difficult.
Skin changes that can be painless in the start but become noticeable later.
Why does it happen?
Kaposi sarcoma can be linked with Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). But not everyone who is living with this virus has Kaposi sarcoma. This rare condition can only happen when you have a weak immune system. It can also happen if you are taking medications for an existing illness. This can suppress your immune response. So when your immune system is weaker, it cannot handle the abnormal cell growth linked to this virus.
When should you seek medical help?
Not all skin problems are Kaposi sarcoma. But if the unusual spots or patches on your skin continue for a long time, then you need to get yourself checked. You cannot ignore the unexpected swelling or lesions in your mouth when they start affecting your routine. Getting yourself checked early can help you to know what is happening.
Precaution before cure
Skin problems can be common. But awareness can help you spot any unusual pattern early. With this, you can take timely actions and protect yourself from any complications.