Kaposi's sarcoma is the type of cancer which is common in people with?

Chitranjjan National Cancer Institute Kolkata - 2021

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: Chitranjjan National Cancer Institute Kolkata - 2021

Explanation

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a vascular tumor caused by Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8).
Its development is strongly linked to severe immunosuppression, which is a hallmark of advanced HIV infection.
KS is classified as an AIDS-defining illness, meaning its presence in an HIV-positive individual confirms a diagnosis of AIDS.
The incidence of KS has significantly decreased with the advent of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), which restores immune function.

Option A: Kidney failure is not a direct cause of Kaposi's sarcoma. The primary complications of kidney failure relate to fluid, electrolyte, and waste product imbalances.
Option B: Liver cirrhosis is primarily associated with an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer), not Kaposi's sarcoma.
Option C: Kangri cancer is a specific type of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. It is caused by chronic thermal injury from a 'kangri' (a wicker basket containing a heated earthen pot) used for warmth in Kashmir.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Kaposi's sarcoma is a type of cancer that forms in the lining of blood and lymph vessels. The question tests the knowledge of the condition most commonly associated with the development of this cancer as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
For a nurse, identifying potential KS lesions during a skin assessment is a critical skill, especially when caring for immunocompromised patients.
Early recognition and reporting can lead to timely diagnosis and management, which often involves starting or optimizing antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Patient education is key. Nurses should educate HIV-positive patients about the importance of ART adherence to maintain a healthy immune system and reduce the risk of opportunistic infections and cancers like KS.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is 'Kaposi's sarcoma'.
Recall or look up the definition and primary associations of this specific cancer.
The question asks which condition it is 'common in'. This points to a strong epidemiological or causal link.
Evaluate each option: 'Kidney failure', 'Liver cirrhosis', 'Kangri cancer', and 'HIV'.
Eliminate options that are clearly unrelated or associated with different types of cancer. Liver cirrhosis is linked to liver cancer, and Kangri cancer is a specific regional skin cancer.
Focus on the remaining options. The link between a severely compromised immune system and opportunistic cancers is a fundamental concept in infectious disease. HIV is the most well-known cause of such immunodeficiency.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Kaposi's sarcoma is a type of cancer that forms in the lining of blood and lymph vessels. The question tests the knowledge of the condition most commonly associated with the development of this cancer.
Stem keywords: Kaposi's sarcoma, cancer, common in
Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE

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E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed pp. 524-526, 263-265

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1652-1654