5. Gastrointestinal Issues: More Than Just an Upset Stomach
Stomach cramps, diarrhea, and indigestion—these are all common complaints that many people experience due to various reasons like stress, poor eating habits, or minor infections. However, persistent gastrointestinal issues may be an alarming sign of Kaposi’s Sarcoma affecting the digestive system.
Why is this worrying? When KS infiltrates the gastrointestinal tract, it means the cancer has metastasized to vital internal organs. This is often a more advanced stage of the disease and requires immediate medical attention. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and often interfere with your ability to digest food and absorb nutrients, thereby impacting your overall health.
In advanced stages, gastrointestinal KS can result in more severe symptoms like bloody stools, severe cramping, and even blockages in the digestive tract. The condition can lead to malnutrition and further exacerbate other symptoms like fatigue and weight loss. (5)