Castleman

Castleman, also known as Castleman's disease or angiofollicular lymphoid hyperplasia, is a rare group of disorders that involve the lymph nodes and related tissues. It is not a form of cancer, though some of its symptoms can mimic lymphoma. Castleman disease is believed to be caused by an overproduction of certain proteins, particularly interleukin-6 (IL-6), which stimulates the growth of cells in the lymph nodes.

There are two main types of Castleman disease: unicentric and multicentric. Unicentric Castleman disease affects a single lymph node or a cluster of lymph nodes in one area of the body. Multicentric Castleman disease affects multiple lymph nodes throughout the body and is generally considered more serious.

Symptoms can vary depending on the type and location of the affected lymph nodes. Unicentric Castleman disease may present as a painless swelling in the neck, armpit, or groin. Multicentric Castleman disease can cause more systemic symptoms such as fever, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, nausea, and swelling in the abdomen.

Diagnosis typically involves a biopsy of an enlarged lymph node, imaging tests like CT scans or PET scans, and blood tests to check for inflammation markers and protein levels. Treatment approaches differ based on the type and severity of the disease. Unicentric Castleman disease is often treated with surgical removal of the affected lymph node. Multicentric Castleman disease may require medication, such as targeted therapies that block IL-6, or systemic chemotherapy in more aggressive cases. The prognosis for Castleman disease is generally good for the unicentric form, while the multicentric form can be more challenging to manage and may have a higher risk of complications.