MODEL RELEASED. Kaposi's sarcoma. Image 1 of 2. Facial oedema (excess fluid in the tissues) and skin plaques caused by Kaposi's sarcoma, in a patient with AIDS. AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It causes a gradual weakening of the immune system, making otherwise harmless infections life-threatening. Kaposi's sarcoma is a type of skin cancer. In AIDS it often spreads to other tissues and can be rapidly fatal. This image was taken prior to treatment with Actinomycin D and Vincristine drugs, to which the oedema and plaques responded well. For a post-treatment image, see M112/311.