Castleman diseaseCastleman disease is a rare disease of lymph nodes and related tissues. It is also known as giant lymph node hyperplasia, and angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia. Castleman disease is a lymphoproliferative disorder. This means there is an abnormal overgrowth of cells of the lymph system that is similar in many ways to lymphomas.In fact, many people with this disease eventually develop lymphomas.
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Case report: A 71 year old gentleman was referred to the geriatric clinic of a district general hospital with a 2 month history of lethargy, decreased appetite and marked weight loss. He had no past medical history, but had a brother who had died of lymphoma. CT scans revealed widespread lymphadenopathy involving the neck, under arms, chest/mediastinum, abdomen and pelvis with mild to moderate splenomegaly. Bone marrow aspiration and trephine biopsy showed small lymphoid follicular aggregates. Excision biopsy of an under arm node was performed and this was reported as an increased number of follicles containing amorphous hyaline material and some small blood vessels between simple reactive changes and lymphoma, suggesting Castleman's disease. He was referred to a hematologist and was commenced on steroid therapy which successfully induced disease remission and symptomatic relief.
Sources:
Castleman disease. (n.d.). Retrieved May 23, 2016, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/castleman-disease/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20031703
What is Castleman disease? (n.d.). Retrieved May 23, 2016, from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/castlemandisease/detailedguide/castleman-disease-what-is-castleman-disease
Castleman disease. (n.d.). Retrieved May 23, 2016, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/castleman-disease/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20031703
What is Castleman disease? (n.d.). Retrieved May 23, 2016, from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/castlemandisease/detailedguide/castleman-disease-what-is-castleman-disease