Kaposi's sarcoma: histopathological study of 159 cases from Malawi

Abstract

The histological features are reported of 168 lesions of Kaposi's sarcoma observed in 159 patients from Malawi, where the disease is more common than elsewhere. All showed well developed characteristic areas of tumor and could be grouped fairly readily into those with a mixed pattern, a predominantly spindle cell pattern and an anaplastic group, though intermediate patterns were seen. Hyaline bodies were present in nearly all tumors of skin. The cell of origin of Kaposi's sarcoma is uncertain and possibly has multipotential capabilities. Differential diagnosis may be difficult. Clinically the lesion may be confused with granuloma pyogenicum and may also be like it histologically. The presence of hyaline bodies and deposits of hemosiderin indicate Kaposi's sarcoma. The spindle cell predominant type may be confused with leiomyoma, leiomyosarcoma or fibrosarcoma. The presence of hyaline bodies and the formation of vascular channels between spindle cells point to a diagnosis of Kaposi's sarcoma.