[AIDS and neoplasms in Mexico].

OBJECTIVE

To describe the epidemiological profile of AIDS and malignancies in Mexico.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study population included a group of AIDS patients seen at four National Institutes of Health and one at a general hospital in Mexico City, from 1983 to 1992. Demographic, clinical and laboratory information was obtained.

RESULTS

A total of 202 patients were studied; 199 men and three women. The mean age was of 34.5 years (range 18-67 years). Kaposi's sarcoma was the most frequent malignancy, with 166 cases, followed by non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, with 33 cases. The three women had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, one of them associated with cervical carcinoma. Rectal cancer was present in three cases.

DISCUSSION

The spectrum of AIDS-associated malignancies in Mexico is similar to that described in other populations. The early diagnosis of this complication is necessary, as well as the search for therapeutic actions to prevent severe immunosuppression and the consequent appearance of malignancies.