Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Virus del herpes relacionado con el sarcoma de Kaposi
Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (kuh-POH-zee sar-KOH-muh-uh-SOH-see-ay-ted HER-peez-VY-rus)
A type of herpesvirus that may cause Kaposi sarcoma (a rare cancer that can cause skin lesions) and a type of lymphoma (cancer that begins in the lymph system), especially in patients who have a weak immune system. Also called HHV8, human herpesvirus 8, and KSHV.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.