Kaposi's sarcoma in patients with AIDS
Article Abstract:
Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is the presenting symptom in about 10 percent of patients diagnosed with AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). KS is the predominant cancer affecting AIDS patients and is found in all groups, but is most common in young homosexual or bisexual men. This sarcoma often begins as brown or purple papules and may occur in different locations on the body. It eventually spreads to the lymph nodes and internal organs. In more than half of these AIDS patients early lesions occur in the mouth, particularly on the palate. For this reason it is important that a dentist be able to recognize the early signs of KS. Treatment of oral KS is necessary if the patient has impaired function which leads to difficulty eating. Treatment can also reduce pain or bleeding and improve the patient's appearance. The dentist should collaborate with the patient's physician in planning dental care. Smaller KS lesions may be excised; some lesions respond to radiation therapy. Treatment with anticancer drugs is limited because they affect the bone marrow and further compromise the patient's immune status. Anti-interferon recombinant technology has produced two new drugs which can reduce the severity of KS lesions and prolong the life of the patient. Dentists are responsible for diagnosing KS lesions and providing dental treatment as needed. Treatment of KS lesions can significantly improve the quality of the AIDS patient's life. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1989
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Treating a patient with palatal Kaposi's sarcoma
Article Abstract:
The case history is presented of a 35-year-old man who tested positive for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection, and who also suffered from disseminated Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). KS is a disease causing cell proliferation and lesions throughout the skin and body that is common in AIDS patients. The patient had a lesion typical of KS on the palate, several decayed teeth, and periodontal disease (affecting the gums and structures supporting the teeth). The lesion had shrunk since therapy with alpha-interferon started three months previously. Dental care included removal of teeth that could not be saved and the fabrication of two retainers to stabilize the upper teeth. Retainers were a good alternative to a removable partial denture because of the KS lesion. The patient's oral hygiene was improved, and ways were devised to avoid irritating the lesion during flossing. Lesions of KS represent the most common tumor associated with AIDS, and when they occur on the hard or soft palate, they can produce loss of tooth mobility and bone resorption. As treatments for HIV infection improve, more and more patients with such problems will visit their dentists. Dentists need to be prepared to deal with these challenges. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1991
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