Watch out! Cancer can be a sign of HIV complications

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Medical Video: Medical Animation: HIV and AIDS

It is estimated that there are around 2 million people newly infected with HIV in 2014 according to the World Health Organization (WHO) report. Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) The following is more information about HIV complications.

Complications of HIV infection mainly result from a weakening of the immune system. The virus also infects the brain, causes degeneration, problems with thinking, or even dementia, and makes you very vulnerable to various infections and certain types of cancer.

Infection that can arise as a result of HIV complications

  • Tuberculosis (TB). TB is a common opportunistic infection that is associated with HIV and is a leading cause of death among people who have AIDS.
  • Cytomegalovirus. Cytomegalovirus is a common HIV-related infection. If your immune system is weakened, the virus re-appears - causing damage to the eyes, digestive tract, lungs or other organs. On the other hand, a healthy immune system disables the virus and keeps it asleep in your body.
  • Candidiasis. This common fungal infection is transmitted in body fluids, such as saliva, blood, urine, sperm and breast milk. This infection causes inflammation and thick white lining of the mucous membranes in the mouth, tongue, esophagus and vagina.
  • Cryptococcal meningitis. Cryptococcal meningitis is a central nervous system infection commonly associated with HIV. This infection is caused by a fungus found in feces. Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes and fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord (meninges).
  • Toxoplasmosis. This potentially deadly infection is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that is spread mainly by cats. Infected cats spread parasites through their fists, and then these parasites can spread to other animals and humans.
  • Cryptosporidiosis. Cryptosporidiosis is an intestinal parasite commonly found in animals. You get cryptosporidiosis when you swallow contaminated food or water. These parasites grow in the intestines and bile ducts, causing chronic and severe diarrhea in people who have AIDS.

Cancer can also arise as a complication of HIV / AIDS

  • Kaposi's sarcoma. This sarcoma is a tumor of the blood vessel wall. This cancer is rarely found in people who are not infected with HIV, while it is common in HIV-infected patients. Kaposi's sarcoma can also affect internal organs, including the digestive tract and lungs. Kaposi's sarcoma usually appears as pink, red or purple lesions on the skin and mouth. In people with darker skin, these lesions can appear dark brown or black.
  • Lymphoma. This type of cancer comes from your white blood cells. Lymphoma usually first appears in your lymph nodes. There are some of the most common signs, including painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck and armpits or groin.

Other possible HIV complications

  • Wasting syndrome. Aggressive treatment regimens have reduced the number of cases of wasting syndrome. Even so, this complication still affects many people who have AIDS. Some common symptoms include: weight loss, diarrhea, chronic weakness and fever.
  • Neurological complications. AIDS can cause neurological symptoms even though it does not infect nerve cells, such as daze, forgetfulness, depression, anxiety and difficulty walking. One of the most common neurological complications is the AIDS dementia complex, which causes behavioral changes and decreased mental function.
  • Kidney illness. HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is inflammation of small filters. This filter plays an important role in your kidney which removes excess fluid and pulp from the bloodstream and passes it to your urine. Due to genetic predisposition, the risk of getting HIVAN is higher in black people.
  • Although many effective drugs are available on the market, viruses can become resistant to any drug. This can be a serious complication if it means that a less effective drug must be used.

AIDS can create some dangerous complications, including infection or cancer. Treatment with ART can prevent, reverse, or reduce the impact of HIV infection. Some patients taking ART can be at risk of developing cholesterol or blood sugar problems. Consult your doctor for more information.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Watch out! Cancer can be a sign of HIV complications
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