Castleman Disease Network UK

What is Castleman Disease?

Castleman disease is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder. It encompasses a spectrum of clinical disorders that range from localised asymptomatic lymph node enlargement (Unicentric) to widespread lymphadenopathy (multicentric) associated with severe symptoms due to cytokine excess.
It is a potentially fatal disease particularly if diagnosed late or treated sub-optimally. Its rarity is such that many haematologists have limited experience in diagnosing and treating the disease. The true incidence in the UK is unknown although estimated at 500 – 800 new cases/year. When treatment has been required this has been variable without national guidance to support it.