AIDS-related primary Kaposi sarcoma of the nasopharynx

Ear Nose Throat J. 2011 Jun;90(6):E1-4. doi: 10.1177/014556131109000609.

Abstract

Primary nasopharyngeal Kaposi sarcoma is extremely rare, as only 1 case has been previously reported in the literature. We report a new case, which occurred in a 37-year-old man with a known history of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The patient presented with complaints of recurrent epistaxis and postnasal hemorrhage. Endoscopic examination detected a bluish, smooth, firm, nonpulsatile mass in the nasopharyngeal wall. Histopathologic findings on biopsy were consistent with Kaposi sarcoma. The tumor was successfully treated with radiotherapy. Kaposi sarcoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any AIDS patient who presents with recurrent unilateral nasal bleeding.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / complications*
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / pathology
  • Adult
  • Epistaxis / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Nasopharynx / pathology*
  • Recurrence
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / diagnosis
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / pathology*
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / radiotherapy