Photo: Micrograph of Kaposi sarcoma (H&E stain).
I vividly remember volunteering at Bellevue Hospital during the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s, a time when people diagnosed with Kaposi’s Sarcoma would succumb to the disease very quickly. Each week, I made the rounds of the isolation unit, and every visit, I encountered new patients because those I had seen the previous week had passed away.
New York, N.Y. As a gay man, I feel a special need to speak about this illness, which has profoundly impacted our community. My journey with Kaposi’s Sarcoma is not just a personal story but a shared experience that resonates with many.
I vividly remember volunteering at Bellevue Hospital during the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s, a time when people diagnosed with Kaposi’s Sarcoma would succumb to the disease very quickly.
Each week, I made the rounds of the isolation unit, and every visit, I encountered new patients because those I had seen the previous week had passed away.
This history compels me to share my story, hoping to provide insight, support, and a sense of solidarity for those affected by this disease today.
What exactly is Kaposi’s Sarcoma?
Kaposi’s Sarcoma is a type of cancer that forms in the lining of blood and lymph vessels, characterized by the development of abnormal tissue growths under the skin, in the lining of the mouth, nose, and throat, or in other organs.
These growths, often appearing as red or purple patches or nodules, are caused by the human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) and are more common in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS. Kaposi’s Sarcoma can vary in severity, ranging from relatively benign, slow-growing lesions to aggressive, life-threatening tumors.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in managing the disease and improving patient outcomes.
Video: Living with Cancer, Kaposi’s Sarcoma (May 13, 2021)
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