KS usually causes tumors to develop in the tissues below the surface of the skin or in the mucus membranes of the mouth, nose, or anus. These tumors are called lesions and appear as raised blotches that can be purple, brown, or red in color. KS can cause painful swelling, especially in the legs, groin area, and skin near the eyes.
The skin lesions associated with KS are unpleasant, however, they are usually not life threatening. In most people, they will cause no symptoms. In others, the lesions can be painful, especially if they produce swelling on the nearby, unaffected skin. If the disease is also present in the lungs, liver, lymph nodes, or gastrointestinal tract, other symptoms, such as bleeding or shortness of breath, may appear.
