Causes And Risk Factors Of Kaposi's Sarcoma

Weakened Immune System

Those with immune systems that function normally can usually keep Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes virus under control. They typically won't develop as many Kaposi's sarcoma lesions, and it is rare for them to develop full-blown Kaposi's sarcoma. However, those with weakened immune systems are at risk for having a higher rate of cells abnormally develop into lesions. Whether the immune system has been weakened through a virus, autoimmune disease, or organ transplant (as recipients are often prescribed immunosuppressants to keep the body from rejecting the newly transplanted organ), an improper and insufficient immune response means cells infected with KSHV multiply at a much faster rate than they do in those with stronger immune systems.

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