Posted in: Cancer by Dr. Tarang Krishna Posted Date: 22 Nov, 2015
What is Castleman Disease?
Castleman Disease (named after Dr. Benjamin Castleman who first described it in 1950) is an abnormal overgrowth of Lymph System’s cells. Because it is similar in many ways to lymphoma, it is often considered as lymph node cancer.
Types of Castleman Disease
• Unicentric Castleman Disease: It involves lymph node that changes at only one site.
• Multicentric Castleman disease: It involves lymph node that changes at multiple sites.
Symptoms of Castleman Disease
• High Fever
• Night Sweats
• Weight Loss
• Loss of Appetite
• Low red cell count
• Low albumin
How Castleman Disease is diagnosed?
It can be diagnosed with blood tests like Complete Blood Count test, Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Also it can be diagnosed with tests like X-rays, CT scan, MRI Scan, ultrasound and PET scan.
Treatment options for Castleman Disease
• Surgery
• Anti-Viral Drugs (prescribed by doctors)