Kaposi Sarcoma vs Melanoma

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

Feature
Kaposi Sarcoma
Melanoma
Category
Malignant
Malignant
Key feature
Purplish lesions caused by HHV-8, most commonly in immunocompromised individuals.
The most dangerous skin cancer - but 99% survival when caught early. Learn the ABCDE signs.
Risk factors
HIV/AIDS - especially with low CD4 count; Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infection; Organ transplant immunosuppressive therapy
Fair skin, light eyes, red or blond hair (Fitzpatrick types I-II); History of blistering sunburns, especially before age 18; More than 50 ordinary moles on the body
Action needed
Purple, red, or brown-black patches or nodules on skin
A new mole or spot that looks different from your other moles (the ugly duckling sign)

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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Melanoma

Melanoma develops in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin and give your skin its color. While it accounts for only about 1% of skin cancers, it causes most of skin cancer deaths. The good news: when detected at stage I, the five-year survival rate exceeds 99%.

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Does yours look more like kaposi sarcoma?

Quick self-check

Does this look like kaposi sarcoma? Answer 2 questions.

Are the lesions purplish, reddish-blue, or dark brown?

Do you have a weakened immune system (HIV, transplant, other)?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

Full ABCDE check →