The most common AIDS related neoplasm is?

RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2018

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2018

Explanation

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a vascular tumor and is the most common malignancy associated with AIDS.
It is caused by the Human Herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8), also known as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV).
The severe immunosuppression in AIDS, particularly low CD4+ T-cell counts, allows the HHV-8 virus to proliferate and cause the formation of these tumors.
Clinically, it appears as painless, purplish or brownish lesions on the skin, oral mucosa, or internal organs like the lungs and gastrointestinal tract.

Option A: This is the second most common malignancy in AIDS patients. These are typically aggressive B-cell lymphomas often associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
Option B: While invasive cervical cancer is an AIDS-defining illness in women (caused by HPV), it is not the most common overall neoplasm associated with AIDS when compared to Kaposi's sarcoma.
Option D: The incidence of Hodgkin lymphoma is increased in people with HIV, but it is not considered an AIDS-defining illness and is less common than Kaposi's sarcoma or Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Most common AIDS-related neoplasm as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
For nurses caring for HIV-positive patients, early identification of suspicious skin or oral lesions is crucial, as it can be the first sign of severe immunodeficiency or treatment failure.
The incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma has dramatically decreased with the widespread use of effective Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), which restores immune function and is the cornerstone of management.
What if? If a patient on ART develops new or worsening Kaposi's sarcoma lesions, it may indicate ART failure, poor adherence, or an Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS), requiring urgent clinical re-evaluation and possible adjustment of the treatment plan.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question. Identify the core concept: 'most common neoplasm' in the context of 'AIDS'.
Recall the three main AIDS-defining malignancies: Kaposi's sarcoma, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and invasive cervical cancer.
Differentiate between them based on prevalence. Kaposi's sarcoma is historically and widely cited as the most frequent.
Eliminate other options. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the second most common. Cervical cancer is an AIDS-defining illness but less frequent overall. Hodgkin lymphoma has an increased risk but is not a defining illness.
Select the option that matches the most prevalent condition.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Qgf5gSWfCzkOukfSNN8ydh

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

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 263-265