Diagnosis
If you have any symptoms of Kaposi sarcoma, contact a doctor immediately. The doctor will conduct a physical exam and take a complete medical history. If the doctor still suspects Kaposi sarcoma, he or she may recommend the following diagnostic procedures:
Biopsy
A biopsy is the only way to be certain that a tumor is Kaposi sarcoma. Your doctor will remove a tissue sample from the tumor and have it examined under a microscope. Your doctor may request any of the following biopsy procedures, based on the size and location of the tumor:
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Punch/Incisional Biopsy
Your doctor uses a special instrument to remove a small cylinder of tissue from a lesion.
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Excisional Biopsy
Your doctor will use a scalpel to remove the entire lesion for examination.
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Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)
A thin needle is used to remove part of a skin growth.
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Core Needle Biopsy
A wide needle is used to remove part of a skin growth.
Additional Tests
The doctor may also recommend any of the following procedures:
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Endoscopy
The doctor uses an endoscope, a flexible, narrow tube with a camera and light on the end, to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine and look for any irregularities. The doctor can also use this device to remove a tissue sample for biopsy. The doctor may recommend this procedure if he or she suspects involvement of the gastrointestinal tract.
Colonoscopy
The doctor uses a colonoscope (narrow, flexible tube with a camera and light on the end) to examine the inner lining of the large intestine and remove a tissue sample for biopsy. The doctor may recommend this procedure if he or she suspects involvement of the gastrointestinal tract.
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Bronchoscopy
Your doctor inserts a flexible, narrow tube with a camera and light on the end (bronchoscope) into your nose or mouth and guides it to your lungs. Your doctor uses this device to examine the lungs and remove suspicious tissue samples for biopsy. The doctor may recommend this procedure if he or she suspects lung involvement. A chest x-ray or other imaging for the lung may also be ordered.
