HIV Tumors And Malignancies
HIV or AIDS is a killer disease. Like cancer, the infection has no sure shot cure and takes a toll on human life and economy year after year. It is commonly observed that patients with HIV infection are greatly exposed to the substantial risk of developing the incidence of different forms of cancer. Research reveals that the onslaught of tumors and malignancies that accompany HIV are primarily due to the infection of the immune system with viruses that are oncogenic and within the DNA, like Epstein-Barr virus, human papillomavirus and Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus.
HIV tumors and malignancies manifest commonly in the form of or begin in the form of Kaposi's sarcoma. This tumor is commonly observed in young homosexual men and actually triggers or signals the onslaught of the infection. The health problem is caused due to the infection caused by the gamma herpes virus. The symptoms manifest in the form of purple colored nodules that suddenly appear on the skin and affect other organs too. Thee nodules are known to spread in and around the mouth, lungs and throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Another HIV tumor and malignancy is seen in the form of B cell lymphomas. The manifestation of Burkitt's lymphoma and primary central nervous system lymphoma are commonly observed in HIV-infected patients. These cancers display poor prognosis and are highly AIDS-defining.
Epstein-Barr virus is known to cause the lymphomas. The development of cervical cancer in women is also considered a definite trigger factor and signal to the onslaught of AIDS, since the human papillomavirus is known to co-exist with the virus that causes irreversible destruction to the human immune system. The other HIV tumors and malignancies include the onslaught of Hodgkin's disease and various types of malignant rectal and anal carcinomas. Other cancers associated with the HIV infection include breast cancer and colon cancer. In fact, research reveals that AIDS-related malignancies are the most common causes of death in the case of HIV-infected patients. Most of these associated health conditions are caused or brought on due to the severely weakened immune system. This not only results in rapid progression of the ailment, but also in premature death.
Another metabolic encephalopathy that lurks and looms large over the HIV infected patient is the development of AIDS dementia complex or ADC. The onslaught is the cause of infected macrophages and microglia in the brain. The cells are known to secrete neurotoxins that not only host the virus but have a viral origin from the onset. The many HIV tumors and malignancies manifest in the form of cognitive, motor and behavioral abnormalities that are clinically associated with the infection induced low CD4+ T levels and alternately the high loads of plasma viral. The general irritability and impairment is known to severely affect the quality of life, while the cognitive disorders take on a chronic course. The advent of a multi-drug therapy to cure HIV tumors and malignancies does little if not nothing to reduce the symptoms and pain. The sometimes non-specific symptoms make diagnosis very difficult.