Exploring Castleman Disease

Castleman disease is a rare condition that has an adverse impact on the lymph nodes. As with most disorders of this type, the condition can cause the cells of the nodes to begin growing at a rapid pace. While various forms of cancer can also trigger this type of growth, Castleman disease is not considered to be any type of cancer. Instead, the condition is classified as a lymphoproliferative disorder.

Two distinct types of Castleman Disease have been identified. Unicentric Castleman disease is a localized form that generally triggers a single lymph node to begin the process of overgrowth. This type of generally less severe and can be treated quickly without leading to more serious ailments.

Multicentric Castleman disease is a situation in which a number of lymph nodes begin to overgrow. As the condition worsens, the overgrowth can begin to have a serious impact on the function of the immune system, making it harder for the body to deal with minor infections and bacterial invasions. The presence of Multicentric Castleman disease can also make a big difference when the individual is dealing with a serious ailment that the immune system is working to subdue. Even minor colds can become serious health threats when this form of Castleman disease is present.

While some people will experience no immediate symptoms with Castleman disease, others will begin to notice that there is an unusual amount of pressure in the abdomen. The pressure can make it harder to catch the breath after some type of minor physical exertion, such as walking up a flight of stairs. Night sweats may also take place, along with an unexplained drop in body weight. In more pronounced cases, the individual may also suffer with frequent bouts of fatigue, even after getting a good night's rest. There may also be the development of some numbness in the feet or the hands.

While the exact cause of Castleman disease is unknown, some health professionals believe that human herpes virus 8 may trigger the condition. The most common course of treatment is to address the symptoms and also do what can be done to reverse the overgrowth of the lymphatic tissue. Depending on the severity of the condition, a doctor may recommend a course of chemotherapy to kill the overgrown cells, or use corticosteroids to limit the degree of inflammation present. Antiviral drugs may also help to deal with the symptoms, while immune modulators can help boost the efficiency of the immune system. In some situations, the surgical removal of the overgrown lymphatic tissue may be necessary.