Page 432 - Textbook of Pathology, 6th Edition

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Grossly, the lesions in the skin, gut and other organs form shaped, plump tumour cells. These spindle-shaped
prominent, irregular, purple, dome-shaped plaques or tumour cells are probably of endothelial origin (Fig. 15.26).
nodules.
CLINICAL COURSE. The clinical course and biologic
Histologically, the changes are nonspecific in the early behaviour of Kaposi’s sarcoma is quite variable. The classic
patch stage and more characteristic in the late nodular stage.
form of Kaposi’s sarcoma is largely confined to skin and the
Early patch stage: There are irregular vascular spaces course is generally slow and insidious with long survival.
separated by interstitial inflammatory cells and The endemic (African) and epidemic (AIDS-associated)
extravasated blood and haemosiderin. Kaposi’s sarcoma, on the other hand, has a rapidly
Late nodular stage: There are slit-like vascular spaces progressive course, often with widespread cutaneous as well
containing red blood cells and separated by spindle- as visceral involvement, and high mortality.

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SECTION III

Systemic Pathology