AIDS-Associated Tumors

AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) attacks the body's immune system. The immune system is a natural defense system that protects against foreign substances and invading organisms, such as bacteria, that cause disease. Because someone with AIDS can no longer fight off disease successfully, other infections, cancers, and tumors can more easily invade the body.

AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Tumors associated with infection by this virus are:

• Kaposi's sarcoma, a skin tumor: Sarcomas are cancerous tumors that start in bones, cartilage, or muscle tissue.
• Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: These tumors are in the lymphatic tissues. The lymphatic system includes organs, ducts, and tissues that drain fluid called lymph into the bloodstream to fight infection. The lymphatic tissues are found in the armpits, groin, and neck.
• Primary lymphoma of the brain: This is a tumor in the brain.

Symptoms of AIDS-associated tumors include bumps or discolored places on the skin. Usually the bumps on the skin are not tender.

To diagnose Kaposi's sarcoma, your health care provider will biopsy any reddish-purple patch or sore on the skin or on the lining of the mouth, vagina, or anus. To diagnose non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a sample of tissue (biopsy) taken from an enlarged lymph node is examined under a microscope. A CT scan may be done to diagnose a tumor in the brain.

Treatments for AIDS-associated tumors include:

• Chemotherapy: Anticancer drugs, which kill cells. These drugs are taken orally or injected into the bloodstream.
• Radiation therapy: Radioactivity or x-rays used mainly to destroy cancerous growths and prevent or slow their spread.
• Combination therapy: Treatment that includes several therapies.

To help yourself get better, follow these guidelines:

• Call or see your health care provider as soon as you notice symptoms or changes in your body.
• Stay as healthy as possible by getting enough rest, eating a healthy, drinking plenty of water, and exercising daily.

If you are an HIV carrier or have an active case of AIDS, follow these guidelines to prevent the spread of AIDS:

• Do not share body fluids in any way (for example, through sexual contact, chewing gum, sharing razors).
• Do not share needles if you are an intravenous drug user.
• Avoid pregnancy.
• Tell your sex partners that you are infected with HIV.
• Do not donate blood, plasma, semen, or body parts.
• Tell your sexual contacts they need to be tested for HIV infection.