MODEL RELEASED. Kaposi's sarcoma. Image 2 of 2. Skin plaques on the face of a patient with AIDS, post-treatment. AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is 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 can spread to other tissues and be fatal. This patient presented with facial oedema (excess fluid) and skin plaques (see image M112/310). Although the oedema and plaques responded well to treatment with Actinomycin D and Vincristine, the patient died within six months of image M112/310 being taken.