Dysphonia due to kaposi's sarcoma as the presenting symptom of human immunodeficiency virus

Dysphonia and airway obstruction are rarely caused by Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS). We present the case of a 40 year old man receiving his diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) after presenting with hoarseness caused by laryngeal KS. HIV may contribute to KS growth by stimulating excess production of angiogenic lymphokines and monokines and by decreasing immune surveillance. Histopathology reveals proliferating endothelial cells, fibroblasts, thin vascular slits, and extravasated erythrocytes. A wide variety of localized treatment options exist, while chemotherapeutic agents and alpha-interferon are used for multifocal or widespread disease.