| | KS most often appears on the skin as round, purple-brown lesions that may be slightly elevated. The lesions can develop and spread over the body quickly. Any part of the skin, including the inside of the mouth, the palms of the hands, the scalp, and the soles of the feet, can be affected. Lesions often merge to form a larger tumor.
KS can also affect the lymph nodes, lungs and the organs of the digestive system. The signs and symptoms of internal KS depend on the site of the lesion. Swelling in the limbs, known as lymphedema, may occur if the lymph nodes are affected.
Lymphedema is caused by the KS cells blocking the lymph nodes and hindering the normal circulation of lymph fluid around the body. KS in the lungs commonly causes breathlessness, while a tumor in the digestive tract may cause nausea and vomiting.
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