Castleman disease

Castleman disease is a rare disorder that affects the lymphatic system, which is a crucial component of the body's immune system.

It is characterized by non-cancerous overgrowth of cells within the lymph nodes, which can lead to the enlargement of these nodes.

This disease can manifest in either a localized form, affecting a single lymph node region, or a multicentric form, impacting multiple lymph node regions and potentially leading to systemic symptoms.

Localized Castleman disease often presents with a swollen lymph node in the chest, although it can occur in the abdomen, neck, or other regions.

The multicentric form is more severe, as it can cause a range of symptoms including fever, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, and can even affect the organs by causing them to enlarge or function improperly due to the increased immune activity.

The exact cause of Castleman disease remains unknown, but it is thought to be related to dysregulated immune responses, and in some cases, it has been associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infection.

Diagnosis is typically confirmed through imaging studies such as CT or MRI scans, and a biopsy of the affected lymph node.

Treatment varies depending on the form and severity of the disease, ranging from surgical removal of the affected lymph node in localized cases to medications that target the immune system in multicentric cases.

Castleman disease is often a diagnosis of exclusion and requires careful clinical evaluation and collaboration between healthcare specialists.

It highlights the complexity of the immune system and the challenges in understanding disorders that affect it.