Illustration of a resilient tree growing from interconnected lymph nodes, symbolizing Castleman Disease

Castleman Disease: Unveiling the Mystery of this Rare Condition

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 3 min read.

"A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing, and Managing Castleman Disease"

Castleman Disease (CD) is a rare and often enigmatic disorder characterized by an overgrowth of cells in the lymph nodes. It's not quite cancer, but it's also more than just a simple inflammation. This condition can manifest in various ways, from a localized swelling to a systemic illness affecting multiple organs. Because it is so rare, it is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late, potentially leading to significant health challenges.

Originally identified in the 1950s, CD has since been classified into different types based on the extent of the disease and the types of cells involved. Unicentric Castleman Disease (UCD) affects a single lymph node, while Multicentric Castleman Disease (MCD) involves multiple lymph nodes and can affect other tissues and organs throughout the body. These differences are critical, because they guide treatment strategies and expectations.

This article aims to demystify Castleman Disease, providing clear and actionable information. We'll explore the symptoms, diagnostic processes, and management options available. Whether you're a patient, a caregiver, or a healthcare professional, this guide offers a comprehensive overview of this complex condition.

What are the Key Types and Symptoms of Castleman Disease?

Illustration of a resilient tree growing from interconnected lymph nodes, symbolizing Castleman Disease

Castleman Disease presents differently depending on whether it is unicentric or multicentric. Understanding these variations is crucial for early recognition and appropriate management. The symptoms can range from barely noticeable to severely debilitating, affecting the overall quality of life.

Unicentric Castleman Disease (UCD):

Localized Swelling: UCD typically involves a single enlarged lymph node, often in the neck, chest, or abdomen.
Asymptomatic Presentation: Many individuals with UCD experience no symptoms, and the condition is discovered incidentally during imaging tests for other reasons.
Mild Discomfort: Some patients might notice mild pain or pressure in the affected area.

Multicentric Castleman Disease (MCD): Multicentric Castleman Disease (MCD) is more complex, with a range of signs and symptoms that may include:

Empowering Patients Through Knowledge and Support

Castleman Disease, while rare, poses significant challenges for those affected. Early and accurate diagnosis, along with appropriate treatment strategies, are critical for improving outcomes and quality of life. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms suggestive of CD, seeking expert medical advice is paramount. Support groups and patient advocacy organizations can also provide invaluable resources and a sense of community.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5114/aoms.2016.57600, Alternate LINK

Title: Intra-Abdominal Localized Hyaline-Vascular Castleman Disease: Imaging Characteristics And Management Of A Rare Condition

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Archives of Medical Science

Publisher: Termedia Sp. z.o.o.

Authors: Nikolaos Vassos, Dimitrios Raptis, Michael Lell, Peter Klein, Aristotelis Perrakis, Jens Köhler, Roland S. Croner, Werner Hohenberger, Abbas Agaimy

Published: 2016-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is Castleman Disease?

Castleman Disease, or CD, is a rare condition where cells in the lymph nodes overgrow. It's not exactly cancer but more than just inflammation. Because it is so rare, it is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late, potentially leading to significant health challenges. It can show up as localized swelling or affect multiple organs as a systemic illness.

What are the main differences between Unicentric and Multicentric Castleman Disease?

Unicentric Castleman Disease, or UCD, involves only a single lymph node, often in the neck, chest, or abdomen. Many with UCD have no symptoms, discovering it during tests for other issues. Multicentric Castleman Disease, or MCD, is more complex, impacting multiple lymph nodes and potentially other tissues and organs. This difference is important because it changes the treatment strategy.

Why is it so important to diagnose and treat Castleman Disease early?

Early and accurate diagnosis of Castleman Disease, combined with the right treatment, is crucial for better outcomes and quality of life. Because Castleman Disease is so rare, it is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late, potentially leading to significant health challenges. If you have symptoms suggesting CD, get expert medical advice. Support groups and patient advocacy groups offer resources and community.

What are the symptoms of Castleman Disease?

Unicentric Castleman Disease, or UCD, often presents with localized swelling in a single lymph node, sometimes causing mild discomfort. Many individuals with UCD experience no symptoms. Multicentric Castleman Disease, or MCD, has a broader range of signs, including fever, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, and enlarged lymph nodes throughout the body, and may involve multiple organ systems.

Why is Castleman Disease classified into Unicentric and Multicentric types?

The classification of Castleman Disease into Unicentric Castleman Disease, or UCD, and Multicentric Castleman Disease, or MCD, is vital as it dictates the treatment approach. Treatment of UCD typically involves surgical removal of the affected lymph node, or observation if asymptomatic. MCD, because it is systemic, often requires more complex treatments, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, to manage the widespread involvement and control the overactive immune response.