What is Kosterman’s disease?

Costleman’s disease, generally referred to as Castleman’s disease, is a chronic lymphoid tissue proliferative disorder between benign and malignant, the cause of which is unclear. Castleman disease is a hematologic disorder of uncertain etiology and pathogenesis that may be associated with viral infection, vascular proliferation, and abnormal cytokine regulation. Castleman’s disease is a chronic lymphoproliferative disorder between benign and malignant, which is classified into focal and multicentric types according to clinical manifestations. Focal type is characterized by painless lymph node enlargement, which is common in the mediastinum, and can also be seen in the neck and axilla, and can be accompanied by local compression symptoms, such as compression of the airways, resulting in cough, shortness of breath, etc., and generally no systemic symptoms. Multicentric type manifests as enlargement of lymph nodes in multiple sites, and may have systemic symptoms such as prolonged fever, malaise, emaciation, anemia, hypoproteinemia; there are also manifestations of multi-system involvement, such as nephrotic syndrome, interstitial pneumonitis, peripheral neuritis, and desiccation syndrome. Focal Castleman’s disease can be treated with surgery, and those who are not suitable for surgery or multicenter type should be treated with chemotherapy, which includes cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone, etc. Autologous stem cell transplantation is feasible if necessary. It is recommended that treatment be carried out under the guidance of specialized physicians.