AIDS-Associated Cancers

What are AIDS-associated cancers?

AIDS-associated cancers are abnormal growths of cells you may get when you have AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). The virus (HIV) that causes AIDS attacks the body's immune system. The immune system is your body’s defense against foreign substances and germs. AIDS weakens your immune system and makes it hard for your body to fight disease. Infections and cancerous tumors can more easily invade your body and become serious problems.

Types of tumors that you may get when you have AIDS include:

• Kaposi's sarcoma, a skin tumor. Sarcomas are cancerous tumors that start in bones, cartilage, or muscle tissue.
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a tumor that starts in the lymph nodes.
• Primary lymphoma of the brain, which is a tumor in the brain.

Women are also more likely to develop cancer of the cervix if they have HIV/AIDS.

What are the symptoms?

The cancers may cause bumps or discolored places on the skin. Usually the bumps on the skin are not tender. Lymph nodes that stay swollen for weeks or months and are usually not tender can be a symptom of lymphoma. (Lymph nodes are most easily felt in the armpits, groin, and neck.) Cervical cancer tends to have no symptoms. It sometimes causes abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially right after sex.

How are they diagnosed?

Kaposi's sarcoma may be diagnosed with test of a small piece of the skin it is affecting. To diagnose non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a sample of tissue taken from an enlarged lymph node is examined under a microscope. A CT scan may be done to diagnose cancer in the brain. Pap tests can find changes in the cervix, even before full-blown cancer has developed. This makes it possible to treat and often cure precancerous changes before they become cervical cancer.

How are they treated?

Treatments for AIDS-associated cancers include the usual cancer treatments:

• Chemotherapy, which uses anticancer medicine to kill cancer cells. The medicine may be taken by mouth or injected into the bloodstream.
• Radiation therapy, which uses high-energy radiation, like X-rays, to destroy cancerous growths and prevent or slow their spread.
• Freezing or removing precancerous cells or surgery to remove the uterus for cervical cancer.

Research is looking at newer treatments for all cancer patients, including people who have HIV/AIDS. Newer options may include stem cell transplants and targeted therapy.

• Stem cells are young cells that have the ability to become different types of cells. Chemotherapy or radiation treatment can kill healthy cells while they are killing cancer cells. Stem cells from a donor can be given to you. Even though the term transplanted is often used, the cells are usually given in the vein through a special IV (intravenous line). The stem cells help your body replace the healthy cells lost during the treatment.
• Targeted therapy use antibodies made in the lab. The antibodies attack only the cancer cells. Sometimes the antibodies are used to bring anticancer drugs or other anticancer treatment directly to the cancer cells. This can help avoid damaging or poisoning normal cells.

How can I take care of myself?

To help yourself get better:

• Call or see your healthcare provider as soon as you notice symptoms or changes in your body or mental abilities. Examples of symptoms to watch for are:
  • problems with weight loss
  • diarrhea
  • trouble with your thinking or memory
  • abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Stay as healthy as possible:
  • Get enough rest.
  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Be as physically active as you can be every day.

Ask your healthcare provider:

• how and when you will hear your test results
• what activities you should avoid and when you can return to normal activities
• what symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup.