Question

Immunocompromised patient with reddish/purple papules/friable pedunculated or nodular lesions, systemic symptoms, and liver/CNS/bone involvement? Tx?

a) Kaposi sarcoma; Tx: Antiretroviral therapy, chemotherapy
b) Squamous cell carcinoma; Tx: Surgical excision, radiation therapy
c) Basal cell carcinoma; Tx: Surgical excision, cryotherapy
d) Melanoma; Tx: Wide local excision, immunotherapy

Answer 1

The condition described is Kaposi's sarcoma, a cancer affecting immunocompromised patients, treated with antiretroviral therapy and potentially chemotherapy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The case described involves an immunocompromised patient presenting with reddish/purple papules and systemic symptoms, including liver, CNS, and bone involvement, suggesting Kaposi's sarcoma.

This malignancy commonly affects patients with an impaired immune system, such as those with AIDS, and is associated with infection by human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). Treatment for Kaposi's sarcoma typically includes antiretroviral therapy to manage HIV infection and may also involve chemotherapy to control the cancer.