The virus is constantly reproducing. Generally speaking, higher viral loads appear to be associated with a lower number of T cells. In the same way, lower viral loads usually mean higher T-cell counts. Recent research has shown that higher viral loads generally mean faster progression of the illness, while lower viral loads usually mean slower progression of the illness. AIDS patients have an increased risk for developing several types of cancers, including one cancer that has become very closely associated with the HIV disease syndrome - Kaposi's sarcoma.
Lesions often appear as readily visible dark-colored blotches that are raised.
The lesions themselves typically are painless. However, KS can spread to the lungs, digestive system and lymph nodes, resulting in symptoms that include breathing difficulty, gastrointestinal bleeding and painful swelling around lymph nodes, especially in the legs. Patients who have widespread or aggressive KS may receive systemic anti-cancer drugs. Treatment to boost the body's immune system also is used in patients who have relatively healthy immune systems. In some patients, KS does not become disabling or life-threatening, so the patients may not require treatment.