Kaposi Sarcoma in the Context of Post-Modified Radical Mastectomy: A New Case Report and Brief Review

Kaposi sarcoma is a human herpesvirus 8-associated angio-proliferative tumor arising from lymphatic endothelial cells. Four clinical subtypes are known: classic, epidemic, endemic, and iatrogenic. The development of Kaposi sarcoma and lymphedema may be interlinked, where each condition could potentially support the progression of the other. Post-mastectomy lymphedema is a commonly recognized complication following radical mastectomy. Angiosarcoma is the most frequently reported neoplasm in such a situation. We present a 72-year-old female who developed Kaposi sarcoma on the same side of mastectomy 9 years following her initial diagnosis and treatment for cancer breast. The diagnosis of Kaposi sarcoma was based on the histopathologic findings and was confirmed with immunohistochemical staining for human herpes virus 8 and D2-40. Lymphedema may be associated with local immune suppression manifested in the form of defective cell-mediated immunity and antigen-presenting cell migration defect which may facilitate development of neoplasms. It is important to differentiate Kaposi sarcoma from other vascular tumors which may have a much worse prognosis. Patients with lymphedema should receive appropriate management and undergo long-term follow-up for early detection of any potential malignancies.