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Kaposi’s sarcoma of the penis: a review of the literature and update


MOJ Tumor Research
Anthony Kodzo-Grey Venyo

North Manchester General Hospital, Department of Urology, United Kingdom

Abstract

Various types of Kaposi’s sarcoma exist including (a) the classic type, (b) the endemic type, (c) the transplant related type, (d) the epidemic type. Kaposi’s sarcoma of penis (KSOP) commonly affects the distal part of the penis and most commonly it tends to affect the glans penis and the coronal sulcus; however, it can also affect the foreskin as well as the shaft of the penis. There is no consensus opinion regarding the aetiology of KSOP because it has not been clarified whether the disease emanates as a reactive condition or it is a true neoplasm. In most cases of KSOP HHV8 / KSHV tends to be detected. KSOP could present in any of the typical forms of the disease for example (a) a patch, (b) a plaque, (c) or as a nodular lesion on the glans, coronal sulcus, foreskin or shaft of the penis. KSOP could also present as blue-purple lesions involving the penis. Quite often KSOP lesions are seen as multi-centric penile lesions but isolated single lesion could be encountered occasionally. The findings on microscopic examination of KSOP would depend upon the stage of the lesion whether the lesion is in the patch stage, plaque stage or in the nodular stage of the disease. Immunohistochemistry studies of KSOP tend to show positive staining for: CD34; CD31; Factor VIII related antigen; Podoplanin (D2-40) but it would show negative staining for Desmin and Cytokeratin. A number of treatment for KSOP include: In cases of Kaposi’s sarcoma associated with HIV treatment is given for HIV for example with HAART; Local excision of the lesion; Cryotherapy; Laser therapy; Radiotherapy; Interferon alpha; Chemotherapeutic agents. The outcome of the disease following treatment depends upon the type of lesion and the treatment given; nevertheless, there is no consensus opinion on treatment and no comprehensive data on the outcome of KSOP. There is therefore need for a global multicentre trial on the treatment of KSOP in order to establish a consensus on treatment and to document the comparative outcomes following the various treatment options.

Keywords

Kaposi’s sarcoma, penis, Human Herpes Virus 8, HIV, HAART, Cryotherapy, Laser therapy, Radiotherapy, Interferon alpha, excision, Chemotherapeutic agents, CD34, CD31, Factor VIII related antigen, Podoplanin (D2-40)

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