Pathology · single question
A patient with advanced, uncontrolled HIV presents with a blue-purple vascular macule/nodule on the hard palate. What is the most likely diagnosis?
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Correct answer: B. Kaposi sarcoma (an HHV-8-associated, AIDS-defining vascular neoplasm)
Kaposi sarcoma, caused by human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8), is an AIDS-defining malignancy that classically presents as a blue, purple, or red macule/plaque/nodule on the hard palate in patients with advanced HIV/AIDS (low CD4 counts). It's a vascular neoplasm showing spindle cells and vascular slits on biopsy.