Know More About Kaposi Sarcoma
This type of cancer forms in the lining of the blood vessels and the lymph vessels. The tumors in the case of kaposi sarcoma appear as some purplish spots on the skin that are painless in nature. These spots appear on the body parts like feet, legs, or tha face. Other affected areas may be lymph nodes, mouth, and the genitals as well.
If the situation has reached a serious and complexed stage, it can lead to the development of cancer in ljngs and the digestive tracts. This type of cancer progress quite slowly and generally cause less serious situations.
Causes
- Usually, the virus named human herpesvirus is known to be one of the causss behind the development of kaposi sarcoma. If an individual has lowered immune system and is hit with HHV-8, it can lead to triggering the growth of kaposi carcinoma. The damage caused to the immunity levels leads to multiplication of teh cells and development of tumor as a result.
- People who are infected with human papillomavirus or HIV, it also leads to weakened immunity system and increases the risks of developing kaposi sarcoma. The exact mechanisms are still not known but lead to development of the cells in a rapid and uncontrollable manner.
- Race also has a great factor in determining the extent of development of some diseases. The people belonging to Eastern Europe, Middle Eastern descent, and Mediterranean areas are more likely to develop kaposi sarcoma. The people of equatorial Africa are also known to be hit by the disease more as compared to others.
Signs and Symptoms
- Unexplainable chest pain or cough
- Intestinal or stomach without any known reason
- Bumps on the skin and throat or mouth
- The bumps may be slightly elevated and brown, blue, black, pink, purple, or red in color.
- Bloackage of lymphatic system that may lead to swelling
Diagnosis
Bronchoscopy
A bronchoscopy involves using a bronchoscope that goes down through mouth or nose to the lungs so that its lining can be observed and the presence of cancerous cells can be checked. The doctor may collect a sample of tissue to be tested for the presence of tumors.
Colonoscopy
During this procedure, the doctor passes a thin tube or scopr theough the rectum and the walls or lining of the organs are examined for the presence of cancer cells and collection of sampme if required. The scopes are equipped with a camera at tip and some sample collection equipment.
X-Ray
Imaging techniques like x rays can also be suggested by the doctors and performed to look for any abnormalities in the lungs. The X ray will help the doctor to see if the cancer has spread to other body parts or not.
Fecal Occult Blood Test
This stool test is performed to look for the presence of hidden blood in the fecal matter. It is also analyzed in the laboratory by qualified and experienced specialists.
Upper Endoscopy
During this treatment, the doctor passes a scope through the mouth to look for the functioning and lining of the esophagus, stomach, and the primitive part of the small intestine. If the specialist suspects the presence of any kind of tumor cells in the area, the sample will be collected from that area.
Side effects of the treatments
- Chemotherapy can lead to issues like tiredness, headache, nausea, Vomiting, appetite changes, Constipation, infections, hair loss, easy bruising or bleeding, and several others.
- Cryotherapy may lead to nerve damage that leads to a feeling of numbness in the body or a tingling sensation as well. Skin infections and swelling can be observed after the treatment. In some cases, scarring can also occur.
- Surgeries lead to issues of increased vulnerability to the infection, easy bruising and bleeding, restlessness, lack of sleep, Constipation and issues related to gas.
Treatments
The treatment of kaposi sarcoma depends on various factors like:
For individuals whonhave beenaffected with HIV, the intensity of kaposi sarcoma is very high as compared to individuals with a transplant related or a classic disease.
Another reason is the number of lesions on the body. If the lesions are internal lesions or skin lesions, their treatment is different from the isolated lesions.
If the lesions have appeared in the throat or mouth, it leads in difficulty in swallowing and chewing. If the disease has spread lungs, it can often lead to shortness of breath and other severe conditions as well.
Lesions in upper leg region lead to swelling and difficulty in movement.
Also, the weakened immune system makes the patient vulnerable to the infection of kaposi sarcoma. In terms of some chronic disease too, the individual becomes more at the risk of getting infected easily.
Drug Combinations
Usually, in the AIDS related kaposi sarcoma, the doctor treats the body with an antiviral drug combination. This combination helps in reducing the symptoms of virus and its effect on the body of the individual. Also, it helps in increasing the number of immune cells in the body.
Immunosuppresive Medication
Often, the disease is treated by providing some immunosuppressive medications that helps i eliminating cancer in several cases.
For the treatmet of small skin lesions, the doctor may also perform surgery called excision, cryotherapy, and electrodessication as well. Vitamin A medications like retinoid can also be used for treating the condition.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves freezing the cancer cells through a gas to such an extent that it kills them. Other than that, burning or electrodessication can also be performed.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy injections are generally given to the patients of cancer. In such cases, the chrmotherapy drugs like vinblastine are injected directly into the lesions to treat the condition. Also, low dose radiations are administered when the radiotherapy is done.
Why chose Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is a natural system of healing. It helps to understand the issues from core and aims to destroy the root cause itself. The natural herbs and their extracts used boost the immune system of the body and leas to development of overall good health. It helps the patient through using various therapies like Panchakarma.
It is the most ancient system of medicine originated in India that poses no side effects to the body. The medical oils, special diets, massages, Yoga, meditation, and lifestyle changes lead to better health of the patient. Ayurveda believes that the natural cycle of the body is important to be maintained and any kind of imbalance in this leads to development of the infections ans diseases.