About Castleman Disease

What is Castleman Disease?

Castleman disease is a rare disorder of the lymph nodes and related tissues. It is characterized by the enlargement of lymph nodes, fever, fatigue, and anemia. It can be classified into two types: unicentric and multicentric. Unicentric Castleman disease is localized to one area of the body, while multicentric Castleman disease affects multiple areas. Treatment for Castleman disease may include medications, radiation therapy, and/or surgery.

What are the symptoms of Castleman Disease?

The most common symptoms of Castleman Disease include:

-Enlarged lymph nodes
-Fever
-Night sweats
-Fatigue
-Weight loss
-Loss of appetite
-Shortness of breath
-Cough
-Chest pain
-Abdominal pain
-Joint pain
-Skin rash
-Swollen abdomen
-Enlarged spleen or liver
-Anemia
-Low white blood cell count
-High levels of certain proteins in the blood

What are the causes of Castleman Disease?

The exact cause of Castleman disease is unknown. However, it is believed to be related to an overactive immune system, which causes the body to produce too many lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). It is also thought to be associated with certain viruses, such as the human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8).

What are the treatments for Castleman Disease?

The main treatment for Castleman Disease is corticosteroids, which are a type of steroid medication. Other treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and monoclonal antibody therapy. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected lymph nodes. In addition, lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding stress can help to manage symptoms.

What are the risk factors for Castleman Disease?

The exact cause of Castleman Disease is unknown, but there are several risk factors that may increase a person's chances of developing the condition. These include:

• Being between the ages of 20 and 50
• Being of Asian or African descent
• Having a weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS, organ transplant, or certain medications
• Having a family history of Castleman Disease
• Having certain genetic mutations, such as those in the MUC1 gene
• Having certain infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8)

Is there a cure/medications for Castleman Disease?

There is currently no cure for Castleman Disease, but there are medications that can help manage the symptoms. These medications include corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and monoclonal antibodies. Your doctor can help you decide which medications are best for you.