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.
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Sigma Nursing 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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See All 2 AnswersIndividuals most at risk for AIDS-related cancers are those with untreated or improperly treated HIV. The virus weakens the immune system and reduces the body's ability to fight infections that may lead to cancer. The more active the virus, the more likely it is to have detrimental effects on the immune system and allow cancer to occur. Infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy have much lower rates of cancer due to improved control of the HIV virus than those with untreated infections. -
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Sigma Nursing 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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Sigma Nursing 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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Donna Hill Howes, RN , Family Medicine, answeredSee All 2 AnswersAIDS-related cancers are certain cancer types that are more likely to occur in people who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The most common types are Kaposi sarcoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Other AIDS-related cancers include Hodgkin disease and cancers of the lung, mouth, cervix, and digestive system.
This answer is based on source information from the National Cancer Institute. -
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Sigma Nursing 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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Sigma Nursing 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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Sigma Nursing 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.
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Sigma Nursing answeredManaging AIDS-related cancer means treating both the cancer and the HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection. You will need to take anti-HIV medicine in addition to chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or other treatment for the cancer. Your doctor may also prescribe medication for side effects such as nausea and pain. Alternative treatments, including acupuncture and hypnosis, can ease side effects, too.