6. Oral Lesions: Not Just Another Sore
We’ve all had mouth sores at some point—caused by accidental bites, spicy foods, or even stress. But what if that sore doesn’t heal and is accompanied by other alarming signs? Oral lesions, particularly persistent or painful ones, can be indicative of Kaposi’s Sarcoma.
Unlike regular mouth sores, these lesions often have a distinctive appearance. They could be red, brown, or purple and are usually painless. They can appear on the roof of the mouth, the gums, or even on the tongue. What makes these oral lesions noteworthy is their potential to be an early sign of KS, often before skin lesions even appear.
Oral lesions linked to KS are a significant concern. Ignoring them could lead to complications like difficulty in eating, speaking, and in severe cases, even breathing. These symptoms not only affect your quality of life but also indicate that the cancer may be progressing to other areas. (6)