The aberrant proliferation of lymphatic tissue is the hallmark of the rare medical disorder known as Castleman disease. It is also called giant lymph node hyperplasia or angio follicular lymph node hyperplasia, the condition affects the lymph nodes. Ben Castleman an American pathologist discovered this disease. The lungs, liver, kidneys, lymph nodes, spleen, and other organs are just a few of the bodily parts that might be impacted by Castleman disease.
Sign and symptoms
Depending on the kind of condition, the symptoms of Castleman disease might present themselves in many ways. Unicentric and multicentric Castleman illnesses are the two primary subtypes. Localized and typically asymptomatic, unicentric Castleman disease is a form of the illness. Occasionally it might result in lethargy, fever, and night sweats as well as lymph node swelling. Multicentric Castleman Syndrome is a more severe variation of the condition that impacts numerous lymph nodes and organs. Fever, exhaustion, night sweats weight loss, and flu are some symptoms. Swollen lymph nodes, liver, and spleen are other side effects. In addition, it can result in the emergence of other conditions including Kaposi’s sarcoma, a cancer that produces skin sores.
Causes
The exact cause of this disease is unknown. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a type of protein that is overproduced by some immune cells in the body, according to a study and this may be the cause of the condition. The aberrant growth of lymphatic tissue brought on by this overproduction can result in Castleman’s illness. According to particular research, infections including the human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) might cause Castleman disease to occur.
Pathophysiology
A dysfunction of the lymphatic system, a component of the immune system is known as Castleman disease or big lymph node hyperplasia. The lymphatic system is in charge of warding off illnesses and infections. White blood cells called lymphocytes, which aid in the eradication of infections, are found in the lymphatic tissue. Lymphatic tissue masses develop as a result of an overabundance of lymphocytes in Castleman disease. These masses might impact various body areas causing the disease’s symptoms.
Diagnosis
Laboratory tests, physical examinations, and medical histories are used to diagnose Castleman’s illness. The diseased lymph node or organ may be sampled by the physician for microscopic examination. The severity of the condition may also be assessed using imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans. Some proteins such as IL-6 which can be increased in Castleman disease can have their levels measured by blood tests.
Treatment
Depending on the nature and severity of the syndrome, Castleman’s disease is treated differently. Surgery to remove the afflicted lymph node is the typical course of treatment for unicentric Castleman disease. In some circumstances, radiation therapy may also be used. There is no cure for multicentric Castleman disease which is more challenging to treat. Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and monoclonal antibody therapy are available as treatment options. These treatments can help in managing the disease’s symptoms and halting its spread.
Prognosis
Depending on the type and severity of the condition, the prognosis for Castleman disease varies. The prognosis for unicentric Castleman disease is favourable, and surgery or radiation therapy can usually cure the condition. On the other hand, multicentric Castleman disease has a poor prognosis and is more challenging to cure.
Complications
Castleman disease can cause a number of complications (multicentric). Organ injury and dysfunction may result from the compression of adjacent structures brought on by an overgrowth of lymphatic tissue. In addition to weakening the immune system, the illness can also increase an individual’s susceptibility to infections. Multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer, and Kaposi’s sarcoma have been linked to the emergence of multicentric Castleman disease. The condition may result in neurological issues such as peripheral neuropathy, which can cause tingling and numbness in the hands and feet.
Description in Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, castleman disease is primarily caused by to imbalance in dhatu and dosha in the body. An imbalance in these things creates illness in the body by malfunctioning the body system. Kapha dosha is the prime agent in causing lymphatic disease. An imbalance in one or more dosha seriously affects the lymphatic system of the body and creates multiple problems.
NIDANA- AYURVEDIC CAUSES OF CASTLEMAN DISEASE
Dosha imbalance particularly kapha dosha imbalance, dhatu dusti or malfunctioning of dhatu in the body, not understanding prakrati or nature of the body, not following proper ritucharya and dincharya.
The symptoms of Castleman disease are aggravated by :
- Consuming kapha dosha-increasing foods such as milk and curd
- Bad lifestyle
- Excessive smoking and alcohol consumption
- Poor hydration
LAKSHANA- AYURVEDIC SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CASTLEMAN DISEASE
Jwar – Fever
Bal sheh – loss of strength
Aruchi – loss of interest in work
Oja sheh – Poor immunity
AYURVEDIC PROGNOSIS OF CASTLEMAN DISEASE
The prognosis depends upon the stage of the disease. Ayurvedic treatment helps in alleviate most of the symptoms but complete eradication is not possible. It can also be managed to some extent.
CHIKITSA- AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR CASTLEMAN DISEASE
Chikitsa mainly focuses on balancing the kapha dosha in the body with the help of ayurvedic formulations and herbs. It also includes lifestyle changes that support proper treatment of the disease.
AYURVEDIC SAMANA TREATMENT FOR CASTLEMAN DISEASE
Diet and lifestyle changes are essential in samana treatment of Castleman disease. Herbs such as punarnava and giloy are also used in different combinations for the management of this disease.
AYURVEDIC SHODHANA TREATMENT FOR CASTLEMAN DISEASE
Shodhan treatment includes panchkarma procedures like Vaman, Virechan and Basti.
COMMONLY USED AYURVEDIC MEDICINES FOR CASTLEMAN DISEASE
Koutaja Triphala, Taramandooram, Punarnavadi Qwath, Gulguluthiktakam Qwath, Kanchnar Guggulu , Manjistha , Ashwagandha, and Haridra are some commonly used medicines for the treatment of Castleman disease.
HOME REMEDIES FOR CASTLEMAN DISEASE
Ginger Tea with honey and warm water.
DIET AND BEHAVIOUR FOR CASTLEMAN DISEASE
Whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats should all be a part of a diet. Avoiding fried foods, sweets, and processed foods is also crucial. Yoga, meditation, and regular exercise are advised to lower stress and enhance lymphatic circulation.
YOGA FOR CASTLEMAN DISEASE
- Vrikshasana
- Virabhadrasana
- Adho Mukha Shvanasana
The Food and Drug Administration, United States has not evaluated these statements. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your GP before the intake.
Please consult Dr. Rajesh Nair here-
https://www.ayurvedaforall.com/online-consultation.html
Writer:

Dr. Rajesh Nair, the co-founder and chief consultant of Ayurvedaforall.com, is a graduate of the prestigious Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College (affiliated with the University of Calicut), Kerala, India. Additionally, he holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Yoga Therapy from Annamalai University.
Dr. Nair offers consultation at two busy clinics in and around Haripad, Alleppey, Kerala, the southern state famous worldwide for authentic ayurvedic treatment and physicians. While offering consultation on all aspects of ayurvedic treatments Dr. Nair has a special interest in Panchkarma, Yoga, and Massage.
Through Ayurvedaforall, Dr. Nair offers online consultation to patients worldwide and has served hundreds of patients over the last 20 years. In addition to his Ayurvedic practice, he is the chief editor of ayurveda-amai.org, the online portal of the Ayurveda Medical Association of India, and the Secretary of the Kerala State Committee of Ayurveda Medical Association of India.
Dr. Nair is a regular speaker at Ayurveda-related conferences and has visited Germany to propagate Ayurveda. You can write directly to him-rajesh@ayurvedaforall.com
Whatsapp – +91 9446918019, +91 8075810816
URLs:
https://www.ayurvedaforall.com/
To give you a quick idea about Ayurvedaforall, we are a group of Ayurvedic practitioners committed to propagating Ayurveda in its best tradition around the world. Our online store sells authentic Ayurvedic formulations backed by professional advice. Now into the seventeenth year of operation, the site has helped us build a dedicated clientele which regularly uses our products and services as well as refers others to us. Needless to say, this has been achieved through our adherence to the highest standards of customer service and professional ethics.
Please write to info@ayurvedaforall.com or Whatsapp at +91 8075810816 +91 8714818871