Before diagnosing Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), your GP will ask you about your general health and carefully examine your skin.
If you have HIV or AIDS, the examination may be carried out by a member of your local HIV clinic who has experience of treating KS. They may take digital photos of any suspected lesions and send them to specialists, such as an oncologist (cancer specialist) or a dermatologist (skin specialist).
If they think you may have KS, you will probably be referred for further testing. If you have HIV or AIDS, the tests will usually be carried out at a specialist centre where staff are experienced in treating complications of HIV and AIDS.
If you do not have HIV or AIDS, you may be referred to a specialist clinic that treats cancers of the skin.
Biopsy
A biopsy is the most effective way to confirm a diagnosis of KS. This involves taking a small sample of cells from an affected area of skin. The sample is then checked at a laboratory for the presence of KS cells.
Endoscopy
An endoscopy may be carried out if it is suspected that you have KS in your digestive system. The procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope down your throat. It allows the GP to look inside parts of your digestive system, such as the bowel, liver and spleen, for any abnormalities or signs that KS is present. They may take a biopsy if they find anything suspicious.
If you have an endoscopy, you will be given a mild sedative to help you relax. A local anaesthetic will be sprayed on to your throat to prevent discomfort as the tube is passed down.
A similar method can be used to look at the lungs (bronchoscopy) if it is suspected that you have KS in your lungs.
Computerised tomography scan
You may have a computerised tomography (CT) scan if it is suspected that KS has spread to your lymph nodes or other parts of your body.
A CT scan works by taking a series of X-rays which build up a three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body. You may be given a radioactive dye to drink before the CT scan to allow particular areas of your body to been seen in greater detail.
