Kaposi Sarcoma vs Pyogenic Granuloma

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

Feature
Kaposi Sarcoma
Pyogenic Granuloma
Category
Malignant
Benign
Key feature
Purplish lesions caused by HHV-8, most commonly in immunocompromised individuals.
A rapidly growing, bright red, easily bleeding bump. Looks alarming but is benign - name is misleading (not infectious).
Risk factors
HIV/AIDS - especially with low CD4 count; Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infection; Organ transplant immunosuppressive therapy
Pregnancy (especially on the gums); Minor trauma to the site; Certain medications (retinoids, some targeted cancer therapies)
Action needed
Purple, red, or brown-black patches or nodules on skin
A rapidly growing bright red bump that bleeds easily

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.

Read full guide →

Pyogenic Granuloma

Pyogenic granuloma is a rapidly growing, bright red to dark red, dome-shaped vascular nodule that bleeds easily and profusely with minor trauma. Despite its alarming name, it is neither pyogenic (caused by infection) nor a true granuloma - it is a benign overgrowth of blood vessels (lobular capillary hemangioma).

Read full guide →

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 →