How is Castleman disease diagnosed?

How is Castleman disease diagnosed?

The symptoms of Castleman disease are similar to other conditions, including common illnesses such as influenza (the flu). A doctor uses several tests to rule out these conditions and confirm a diagnosis of Castleman disease. These tests include:

• Biopsy: A doctor takes a sample of tissue from a lymph node and looks at it under a microscope to identify signs of Castleman disease.
• Blood and urine tests: A doctor takes a sample of blood or urine to evaluate the levels of substances in the body that may be signs of the disease.
• Imaging tests: Tests such as X-rays and CT scans allow doctors to locate enlarged lymph nodes in the body.