Unicentric Castleman Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Unicentric Castleman Disease?
A hematologist or oncologist, doctors who treat blood and lymph node conditions, often helps treat unicentric Castleman disease. A general surgeon usually performs the removal. Hematologists and oncologists may also be involved, depending on where the node is. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Unicentric Castleman disease is a rare condition in which one group of lymph nodes, small glands that help fight infection, grows larger than normal in one area of the body. The swollen nodes are not cancer but can cause problems because of their size and the chemicals they release.
Symptoms
Many people feel fine and learn about it by accident, when a scan or exam shows a swollen lymph node. Symptoms can include a lump you can feel, usually in the chest, neck, or belly. Less often, there may be fever, night sweats, tiredness, weight loss, or low blood counts. Doctors need tests to find the cause.
Causes and who gets it
Doctors do not fully understand what causes unicentric Castleman disease. It seems to start with an overgrowth of certain immune cells inside a lymph node. Unlike the multicentric form, it is not linked to human herpesvirus 8 and does not run in families.
How doctors diagnose it
Diagnosis starts with imaging tests, such as a CT scan, which shows where the swollen node is and how big it is. The key test is a biopsy, in which a doctor removes tissue to be studied under a microscope. This helps confirm Castleman disease and rule out lymphoma, a cancer that can look similar.
Treatment
Surgery is the main treatment. A surgeon removes the enlarged lymph node. For many people, surgery alone takes care of the problem. If surgery cannot remove the whole node or the disease comes back, doctors may use medicines that calm the immune system or targeted drugs.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you notice a lump in your neck, armpit, or groin that lasts more than a couple of weeks, or if you have fevers, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss with a swollen gland. These symptoms usually have common causes but deserve a checkup.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor is paid a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance; a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can be a helpful first stop, with longer appointments for discussing symptoms and results. They can order imaging and blood tests, refer you to a specialist when needed, and handle routine follow-up after treatment.
Common questions
Is unicentric Castleman disease cancer?
No, it is not cancer. It is an overgrowth of immune tissue in one area. However, doctors check the tissue carefully because some cancers can look similar under a microscope.
Does it come back after surgery?
Usually it does not come back after the lymph node is removed. Some people do have the condition return. So doctors often recommend follow-up visits and sometimes imaging tests.
Is it the same as multicentric Castleman disease?
No. Unicentric disease affects one lymph node area, while multicentric disease affects many areas. Multicentric disease also tends to cause more body-wide symptoms. The treatments are different too.
Can it be prevented?
There is no known way to prevent it, because the cause is not well understood. It is not contagious and does not appear to be inherited.
Sources
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center - Localized Castleman disease
- National Organization for Rare Disorders - Castleman Disease
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
