Isolated Kaposi Sarcoma of the Tonsil: A Case Report and Review of the Scientific Literature

Abstract

Kaposi sarcoma is a tumour caused by human herpes virus 8, also known as Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes virus. It usually affects the skin and oral mucosa; however, it can also sometimes affect the lungs, the liver, the stomach, the bowel, and lymph nodes. Several body sites may be affected simultaneously. The involvement of the tonsils is rare. We described an isolated localization of Kaposi's sarcoma of the right tonsil in a HIV-positive patient.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Revealed by Oral Kaposi’s Sarcoma

“…Any mucosal site may be involved; the hard palate, gingiva and tongue are affected most frequently [5]. An Isolated Kaposi Sarcoma of the Tonsil has been reported in the literature [6]. Of significance is that, oral lesion may be the initial site of involvement or the only site or the first indication of HIV infection as evidenced by our case how is unique as the patient had oral KS, without the evidence of any cutaneous involvement.…”

A rare case of odynophagia

“…Three of the cases reported had occurred in confirmed HIVinfected individuals. 3,4,5,6,7,8,9 Like the index case, many cases of isolated KS of the tonsils lacked cutaneous involvement further highlighting the importance of performing a biopsy. Although an abscess, lymphangiomatous tumour and a squamous papilloma are some inclusions in the differential diagnosis of a tonsillar mass, the histologic differential diagnoses of Kaposi's sarcoma include angiosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, arteriovenous malformations and spindle cell haemangioendothelioma.…”

A case of Kaposi’s sarcoma of tonsil with profuse bleeding in an HIV-positive patient

“…Depending on the site and size of the lesion, patients with Kaposi’s sarcoma of the oral cavity and pharynx may present with difficulty in swallowing, 12 , 15 abnormal sensation in the throat, 15 or present with a mass 1 which are generally painless. 2 , 3 , 7 , 8 , 16 – 18 Some cases may present with blood-stained saliva or some bleeding; 4 , 8 , 17 however, profuse bleeding requiring tonsillectomy and tracheostomy has not been reported to our knowledge. The lesions which may look pink, 2 , 3 purplish 1 , 15 , 17 , 18 or reddish 15 may be macular, 3 papular, 3 , 18 nodular 3 , 8 , 10 , 15 , 18 or pedunculated.…”