Diagnosis: Unicentric or Multicentric
Upon diagnosing Castleman disease, it becomes crucial for the doctor to assess the extent to which the disease has spread throughout the body. If it affects lymph nodes in only one specific area, it is referred to as unicentric Castleman disease (UCD). The most commonly affected areas are the chest and abdomen. On the other hand, if the disease affects multiple lymph node areas, including organs with lymphatic tissue, it is classified as multicentric Castleman disease (MCD). Treating the multicentric form is generally more challenging compared to the unicentric variety.
Diagnosis: Association with HHV-8
In the diagnosis of multicentric Castleman disease (MCD), one crucial factor that doctors consider is the presence of human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8). This particular virus targets the immune system, weakening it and making the body susceptible to HIV and other autoimmune diseases. Surprisingly, not all individuals with HHV-8-associated MCD have HIV. In such instances, the condition is referred to as idiopathic MCD or iMCD.