Angiosarcoma vs Kaposi Sarcoma

How to tell the difference — key features compared side by side.

Feature
Angiosarcoma
Kaposi Sarcoma
Category
Malignant
Malignant
Key feature
Rare cancer of blood or lymph vessels. Often appears as a bruise-like patch on the scalp of elderly patients.
Purplish lesions caused by HHV-8, most commonly in immunocompromised individuals.
Risk factors
Age over 70; Chronic lymphedema (especially post-mastectomy); Previous radiation therapy
HIV/AIDS - especially with low CD4 count; Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infection; Organ transplant immunosuppressive therapy
Action needed
A bruise-like purple patch on the scalp that does not resolve
Purple, red, or brown-black patches or nodules on skin

Angiosarcoma

Angiosarcoma is a rare, aggressive cancer that develops from the cells lining blood vessels or lymph vessels. It accounts for less than 2% of all soft tissue sarcomas. Cutaneous angiosarcoma most commonly affects the scalp and face of elderly patients, particularly men.

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Kaposi Sarcoma

Kaposi sarcoma develops from cells lining lymph or blood vessels and is caused by human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). It appears as purplish, reddish-blue, or dark brown-black patches, plaques, or nodules on the skin or mucous membranes.

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Does yours look more like angiosarcoma?

Quick self-check

Does this look like angiosarcoma? Answer 2 questions.

Does the area look like a bruise or purple patch that does not go away?

Is it on the scalp or in an area of chronic swelling or previous radiation?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

Full ABCDE check →