Overview

Castleman disease is a rare disorder that involves an overgrowth of cells in your body's lymph nodes. The most common form of the disorder affects a single lymph node (unicentric Castleman disease), usually in the chest or abdomen.

Multicentric Castleman disease affects multiple lymph nodes throughout the body and has been associated with human herpes virus type 8 (HHV-8) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Treatment and outlook vary, depending on the variety of Castleman disease you have. The type that affects only one lymph node can usually be successfully treated with surgery.