Kaposi sarcoma is a cancer linked to human herpesvirus type 8 that mainly appears in people with advanced HIV and severely weakened immune systems.
It usually causes purple or reddish spots and lumps inside the mouth, especially on the palate. Although they may not hurt at first, over time they can bleed and make it difficult to speak, eat, or swallow.
These lesions are caused by abnormal blood vessel growth and can spread quickly if left untreated. Treatment includes HIV medications and, in more severe cases, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery.
