Experts from the Uganda Cancer Institute at Mulago have warned of an increase in cases of skin cancer - otherwise known as Kaposis Sarcoma (KS) among children.

Dr. Abraham Omoding, an expert at The Uganda Cancer Institute at Mulago Hospital observed that on average, the centre receives about 10 new cases of children suffering from skin cancer every week.

Majority of the cases they receive are of children below the age of 12 years and manifests mostly in the places around the jaws and cheeks.

Experts attribute the increase in this type of cancer among children born with HIV/Aids to the fact that kids less than 12 years have less resistance to human herpesvirus (HHV) 8, the virus that causes the cancer.

"The increase in AIDS PKS incidence appears to reflect a direct or indirect promoting effect of HIV on the development of KS lesions.

Recognition of the high KS risk in small children warrants considerations of possible prevention measures including HIV/HHV8 vaccination and therapeutic options," Said other researchers including Kaaya E.E in their study on KS and HIV/Aids in Tanzanian children.

KS manifests with patches of abnormal tissues that grow under the skin, in the lining of the mouth, nose and throat.

The disease also manifests with swellings on the different parts of the body: they may occur around the Jaws to resemble Goitre. In other instances, experts say, the disease resembles Elephantiasis which leads some to think that they have been bewitched.

Omoding argues that HIV weakens the body's immune system creating a fertile ground for the HHV8 to eat up the body.

Early detection vital
However, when detected while in its early stages, Kaposis Sarcoma can be treated, according to Omoding.

Unfortunately, like many other types of cancer, most people usually report to the hospital when its too late.

“Most people come to hospital after seeing the signs are out of hand. This is when the disease is in advanced stages," says Omoding.

He further advises people to always go for early cancer screening "even before the signs of cancer are seen."

Symptoms of Kaposis Sarcoma
Tumors that are painless commonly develop in the tissue below the skin with purplish, black discolorations. They appear as nodules and may bleed.

Sometimes the disease causes painful swellings especially in the area around the feet.

A study by the An American Medical Review Board revealed that KS manifests in around one every three people with AIDS, lesions will develop around the mouth and throat linings making eating and swallowing problematic.

Prevention
Some of the common ways to curb the disease are;
Early cancer screening. This enables early detection and treatment of the disease in its infancy stages.

Protection against HIV and AIDS. This is because the disease is mostly common among people infected with the disease compared to those who are HIV-Negative.

Response of KS to drugs (Chemotherapy)
A patient's response to treatment depends on the extent and severity of the problem. But in most cases KS are responsive to drugs.

Treatment
Treatment of KS, which involves administering drugs to destroy cells that have been damaged by the disease is possible.

However, Omoding argues that the drugs used are usually very toxic and they can cause more damage to other body organs especially the liver.

In order to minimize on the toxicity of the drugs, he advises patients to ensure they eat a balanced diet.

By Saudha Nakandha blog comments powered by Disqus

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