Most common malignancy in AIDS is: March 2011
**Core Concept**
Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a type of cancer that forms in the lining of blood and lymph vessels, often associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infection. In immunocompromised individuals, such as those with AIDS, the risk of developing KS increases significantly.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Kaposi sarcoma is the most common malignancy in AIDS patients due to their compromised immune system. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection that causes AIDS leads to a decrease in CD4+ T-cell count, making it difficult for the body to fight off opportunistic infections and cancers. HHV-8, which is closely linked to KS, takes advantage of this immunocompromised state to proliferate and cause disease. The skin and mucous membranes are the primary sites of KS development in AIDS patients.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Hodgkins lymphoma, while more common in immunocompetent individuals, is not the most common malignancy in AIDS patients.
**Option B:** Leukemia, including both acute and chronic forms, is not the most prevalent cancer in the HIV/AIDS population.
**Option C:** Multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow, is not typically associated with AIDS and is not the most common malignancy in this population.
**Option D:** While certain types of cancers, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, are more common in AIDS patients, multiple myeloma is not the most common malignancy.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
AIDS patients are at increased risk for various cancers, including Kaposi sarcoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and invasive cervical cancer, due to their compromised immune system. It is essential for healthcare providers to be aware of these increased cancer risks in this population to provide timely and effective treatment.
**β Correct Answer: A. Kaposi sarcoma**