Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection results in varying degrees of immune system suppression and brings an increased risk of cancer. Cancers most commonly associated with HIV infection are known to be caused by other associated cancer-causing viruses, including Kaposi sarcoma and the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is most commonly passed by sexual contact. The risk of other types of cancer is less common but may be increased in patients who are infected with the HIV virus, especially when an individual smokes or drinks alcohol heavily. These risks include cancers of the anus, liver, mouth and throat, lung, testicles, colon, rectum, and skin.
AIDS-Related Cancers
With a weakened immune system, individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, have a substantially higher risk of developing certain cancers than those who are virus-free. Kaposi sarcoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and cervical cancer are considered AIDS-defining cancers: Medical experts mark the development of one of those cancers as the defining point when an individual has developed acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS. Learn more about the symptoms and diagnosis of AIDS-related cancers with expert advice from Sharecare.
Recently Answered
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Baptist Health South Florida answeredPeople with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) have weakened immune systems. This makes them more likely to have cancer-causing viruses, and it also makes it harder for them to fight off cancer cells. For example, human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cervical, anal, and some other cancers. Epstein Barr virus can cause non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphoma. Human herpesvirus 8 can cause Kaposi sarcoma. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C can cause liver cancer. People with HIV who also smoke or drink alcohol heavily run a higher risk of developing lung cancer or liver cancer, respectively. -
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredChildren are much less likely than adults to be infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Fewer than 1 percent of HIV infections are diagnosed in children under 13. In addition, some of the major risk factors for AIDS-related cancers -- including smoking and certain sexually transmitted viruses -- are more likely to be associated with adults. -
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredSee All 2 AnswersYou are most likely to develop the cancers considered AIDS-related if you have HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) plus another risk factor. These risk factors include:
- a low CD4 (white blood cell) count
- smoking or excessive drinking
- human herpesvirus 8 infection
- human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Epstein-Barr virus infection
- hepatitis B or C infection
- failure to take HIV medications properly
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredIf someone you care for has AIDS-related cancer, they may face complex, lengthy, and possibly difficult treatment for both the cancer and their HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection. As with anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, you can help by offering to cook, run errands, or do other daily tasks, or even by simply lending an ear -- your loved one may need to talk about their worries and feelings. Encourage them to enjoy their normal activities as much as possible.
AIDS-related cancers carry their own special risks, partly because the HIV infection weakens the immune system. This can let cancers grow faster and make them more difficult to treat. (AIDS and cancer treatments both require care to avoid passing on illnesses, including foodborne illness, travelers' illnesses, or animal-related illnesses.) AIDS-related cancers can be fatal. However, with today's anti-HIV medications, patients are more likely to survive AIDS-related cancers. Encourage the person to take all medications and other treatments, and to get to all medical appointments. -
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredIf you have AIDS-related cancer, take medication to fight the HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) while treating the cancer. This strategy may make it possible to treat the cancer aggressively. For example, anti-HIV medication can let some people with HIV to take bigger chemotherapy doses than their weakened immune systems would ordinarily allow. The most common cancer treatments involve chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, depending on the specific type of cancer involved, and other less-well-known options may be considered.
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredSee All 2 AnswersPeople with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are more likely than other people to develop certain kinds of AIDS-related cancers. Some of these are called AIDS-defining cancers, when acquired by HIV-infected people, because they define the point at which HIV has developed into AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). These include:
- Kaposi sarcoma
- non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- cervical cancer
- Hodgkin lymphoma, also called Hodgkin disease
- digestive tract cancers, including anal cancer
- mouth cancer
- lung cancer
- liver cancer
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredWhen a person with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) gets certain cancers, it is often a sign that their condition has progressed to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). This is why these cancers are known as AIDS-defining cancers. They include cervical cancer, Kaposi sarcoma, and lymphoma (especially non-Hodgkin lymphoma).
These are only considered AIDS-defining cancers in people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus; when others contract these cancers they are not considered AIDS-related. -
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredSome cancers can be treated successfully, including many lymphomas, which are some of the most common AIDS-related cancers. Even cancers that cannot be cured may be controlled for a long time, with the right treatment. AIDS-related cancers do present a challenge because people infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) have weakened immune systems. This can allow the cancer to grow faster, and aggressive cancer treatment may damage the weakened person's body even further. However, patients who take anti-HIV drugs and have good white blood cell counts can usually handle treatment better, and depending on their cancer tend to have better outcomes.
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredChemotherapy drugs may be used to treat some AIDS-related cancers, including lymphomas, cervical cancer, and Kaposi sarcoma. In addition, people with AIDS-related cancers should continue to take anti-HIV medications and any other medicines they need as directed, such as antibiotics to ward off infections. Depending on the type of cancer involved and the individual case, this one-two punch -- anti-HIV medicines plus cancer treatment -- can boost the odds of survival.