An adult patient presents with purple lesions on the palate and similar lesions on their body. What is the most probable cause?

• A. Sturge-Weber Syndrome
• B. Erythema Multiforme
• C. HIV
• D. Malignant Melanoma

Answer: (C)

The presence of purple lesions on the palate and similar lesions elsewhere on the body is highly suggestive of Kaposi's sarcoma, which is frequently associated with HIV infection. Kaposi's sarcoma is a vascular tumor that arises from the lining of blood vessels and is characterized by the development of purplish-red or violet lesions on the skin and mucosal surfaces. These lesions can appear as raised or flat patches and are often asymptomatic initially, although they may cause discomfort as they progress.

The link between HIV and Kaposi's sarcoma is significant because the immunocompromised state associated with HIV allows for the proliferation of certain viruses, including Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), which is the causative agent of Kaposi's sarcoma. Thus, in patients presenting with such lesions, HIV infection should be a primary consideration for diagnosis.

The other mentioned conditions, while they may present with skin lesions, do not typically lead to the exact presentation described. Sturge-Weber syndrome is primarily a neurological condition and presents with facial capillary malformations, and erythema multiforme manifests with target-shaped lesions often following infections or drug reactions. Malignant melanoma can present with dark pigmented lesions but does not commonly cause purple