Castleman disease

Overview

Castleman disease is a rare disorder that involves an overgrowth of cells in your body's lymph nodes. The most common form of the disorder affects a single lymph node (unicentric Castleman disease), usually in the chest or abdomen.

 

Multicentric Castleman disease affects multiple lymph nodes throughout the body and has been associated with human herpes virus type 8 (HHV-8) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).  Multicentric Castleman disease is associated with enlarged lymph nodes.

 

Treatment and outlook vary, depending on the variety of Castleman disease you have. Unicentric Castleman disease, the type that affects only one lymph node can usually be successfully treated with surgery.

 

 

Symptoms

Many people with unicentric Castleman disease don't notice any signs or symptoms. The enlarged lymph node may be detected during a physical exam or an imaging test for some unrelated problem.

 

Some people with unicentric Castleman disease might experience signs and symptoms more common to multicentric Castleman disease, which may include:

Fever

Unintended weight loss

Fatigue

Night sweats

Nausea

Enlarged liver or spleen

The enlarged lymph nodes associated with multicentric Castleman disease are most commonly located in the neck, collarbone, underarm and groin areas.

 

When to see a doctor

If you notice an enlarged lymph node on the side of your neck or in your underarm, collarbone or groin area, talk to your doctor. Also call your doctor if you experience a persistent feeling of fullness in your chest or abdomen, fever, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss.

 

Causes

It's not clear what causes Castleman disease. However, infection by a virus called human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) is associated with multicentric Castleman disease.

 

The HHV-8 virus has also been linked to the development of Kaposi's sarcoma, a cancerous tumor that can be a complication of HIV/AIDS. Studies have found that HHV-8 is present in nearly all HIV-positive people who have Castleman disease, and in about half of HIV-negative people with Castleman disease.

 

Risk factors

Castleman disease can affect people of any age. But the average age of people diagnosed with unicentric Castleman disease is 35. Most people with the multicentric form are in their 50s and 60s. The multicentric form is also slightly more common in men than in women.

 

The risk of developing multicentric Castleman disease is higher in people who are infected with a virus called human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8).

 

Complications

People with unicentric Castleman disease usually do well once the affected lymph node is removed. Multicentric Castleman disease may lead to life-threatening infections or organ failure. People who also have HIV/AIDS generally have the worst outcomes.

 

Having either variety of Castleman disease may increase your risk of lymphoma.

 

Jan Ricks Jennings, MHA, LFACHE

Senior Consultant

Senior Management Resources, LLC

Jan.Jennings@EagleTalons.net

JanJenningsBlog.Blogspot.com

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March 8, 2022