Work

A case of mistaken identity: classic Kaposi sarcoma misdiagnosed as a diabetic foot ulcer in an atypical patient

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The presentation of Kaposi sarcoma is divided into four known clinical subtypes. In this case report we describe classic Kaposi sarcoma in an African-American heterosexual, diabetic, seronegative human immunodeficiency virus male. Classic Kaposi sarcoma is rare in this patient demographic and can be easily misdiagnosed. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient presented with a lesion between the fourth and fifth digits of his right foot which was initially diagnosed as a diabetic foot ulcer. Despite local wound care, the lesion did not resolve. A shave biopsy was performed and histopathology findings were consistent with classic Kaposi sarcoma. CONCLUSIONS: The patient tolerated local radiotherapy well and had complete resolution of his pedal lesion. There have been emerging associations between diabetes and Kaposi sarcoma. As such, clinicians should have a low threshold when considering the biopsy of suspicious pedal lesions in patients with diabetes. The utilization of appropriate biopsy technique may lead to the diagnosis of classic KS tumors in populations outside of the current four widely accepted clinical subtypes.

Source: Clinical Diabetes and Endocrinology

DOI: 10.1186/s40842-019-0083-x

Authors: Garneisha M. Torrence, James S. Wrobel

Institution: Michigan Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Viral-associated cancers and disorders

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,170