Unusual presentation of oropharyngeal Kaposi's sarcoma

Background. The aim of this article is to focus ear, nose, and throat (ENT) practitioners on a pathology rarely seen within the head and neck mucosa. Methods. A 62‐year‐old black African man was referred to our ENT department for dysphagia and hoarseness. Physical ENT examination revealed a smooth normal mucosal mass on the left lateral pharyngeal wall, which masked the inlet of the larynx, and bilateral cervical lymph nodes but no other mucosal lesions. Anti–human immunodeficiency virus antibodies were found to be negative. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cell count, and platelet count were normal. Serum protein electrophoresis was also normal. A CT scan confirmed the lesion and lymph node involvement. Treatment consisted of a transoral endoscopic resection with ligature of the pedicle, with the patient under general anesthesia. The patient's improved medical condition permitted 11 cycles of bleomycin (15 mg/3 weeks). Results. A 5‐month fibroscopic follow‐up control showed no recurrence, and total clinical regression was observed after 1 year. Three years later, all ENT lesions had disappeared, with no adenopathy or mucosal lesions. Conclusion. Kaposi's sarcoma is a pathology that the ENT practitioner must keep in mind when patients present with a laryngopharyngeal mass. The symptomatic cases were all surgically treated; however, death subsequently occurred. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2008