Cancers Caused by HIV/AIDS

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Cancers Caused by HIV/AIDS

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This virus is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids from one person to another. Individuals with HIV/AIDS are at higher risk for certain types of cancers, including:

• Kaposi Sarcoma

• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)

• Cervical Cancer

Although the exact connection between HIV and cancer is not yet fully understood, it is believed that HIV weakens the immune system, increasing susceptibility to certain cancers.

1. Kaposi Sarcoma

Kaposi sarcoma is a type of soft tissue sarcoma. Today, it is most commonly found in people with HIV/AIDS or those infected with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). Due to HIV, Kaposi sarcoma can appear in multiple areas of the body, such as the skin, lymph nodes, liver, lungs, spleen, and digestive system.

2. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)

Types of NHL that occur in people with HIV/AIDS include:

• Aggressive B-cell lymphomas (diffuse large B-cell or Burkitt subtypes)

• Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma

• Primary Effusion Lymphoma

3. Cervical Cancer

People with HIV/AIDS are at an increased risk of cervical dysplasia, a precancerous condition that may develop into cervical cancer.

4. Other Cancers

Other cancers that are more common in individuals with HIV/AIDS include:

• Hodgkin Lymphoma

• Angiosarcoma

• Anal Cancer

• Liver Cancer

• Mouth and Throat Cancer

• Lung Cancer

• Testicular Cancer

• Colorectal Cancer

• Skin Cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma)

• Penile Cancer

Statistics

Since cancers caused by HIV/AIDS are relatively rare, exact statistics are not widely available.

Risk Factors

The following factors may increase the risk of cancers in people with HIV/AIDS:

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

• HHV-8 Virus

• Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)

Symptoms

Kaposi Sarcoma:

• Slightly raised purple, pink, brown, black, blue, or red spots/bumps on the skin.

• Lymphedema (swelling caused by blockage in the lymphatic system).

• Unexplained cough or chest pain.

• Unexplained abdominal pain.

• Diarrhea.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL):

• Swelling in the lymph nodes (in areas such as the abdomen, neck, armpits, or groin).

• Swollen liver or spleen.

• Unexplained fever.

• Unexplained weight loss.

• Fatigue.

• Excessive sweating.

• Chills.

Cervical Cancer:

• Bleeding between menstrual periods.

• Menstrual periods lasting longer than usual.

• Bleeding after sexual intercourse, or pain during intercourse.

• Foul-smelling discharge with blood.

• Bleeding after menopause.

• Persistent pelvic or lower back pain.

Diagnosis

• Biopsy: A small piece of tissue is removed from the suspicious area and examined under a microscope to confirm if it is cancerous.

• CT Scan

• X-ray

• Endoscopy

• MRI

• PET CT

• Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy

• Biomarker Testing of the Tumor

Treatment

• Antiretroviral Treatment (ART): ART is used to control the HIV virus.

Other Treatments:

Treatment is provided based on the type of cancer, but common treatment options include:

• Chemotherapy

• Immunotherapy

• Targeted Therapy

• Radiation Therapy

• Surgery

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