Giant lymph node hyperplasia

The treatment depends on the type of condition.

Localized : The localized lumps can be removed surgically. If surgery is not possible, then other treatment techniques such as medications or radiation technique can be used to shrink or destroy the lymph node.
Multicentric : Surgery may not be possible always for the multicentric type as many numbers of lymph nodes are involved in it. However, sometimes when the spleen is enlarged due to giant lymph node hyperplasia ten it can be removed by surgery to reduce the symptoms.

The treatment of multicentric type usually involves medications and other therapies to control the over growth of the cells. The treatment depends on the extent of the condition and whether the patient has HIV or HHV-8 or both.

Monoclonal Antibodies : If the patient does not have HIV or HHV-8 infection, then the initial treatment can be with a monoclonal antibody such as siltuximab. Monoclonal antibodies are used to block the action of IL-6 protein which is involved in cell overgrowth.
Corticosteroids : Corticosteroids are used to control inflammation of the lymph nodes.
Chemotherapy : It is usually suggested when the body does not responds to monoclonal antibodies or the patient has organ failure. Chemotherapy usually slows down the overgrowth of the lymphatic cells.
Thalidomide : It is an immune system modulator. It is very effective at inducing remission in giant lymph node hyperplasia. It blocks the action of IL-6 protein.
Antiviral drugs : These are used to suppress HHV-8 or HIV infections.

Giant lymph node hyperplasia is classified into two main types. They are:

Localized : It is the most common type and it affects only single group of lymph nodes. They are mostly observed in chest and abdomen. The enlarged lymph nodes in the chest cause breathing problems by pressing the trachea or small breathing tubes. The enlarged lymph nodes in the abdomen can cause pain, a feeling of fullness, or trouble eating. Sometimes they are formed in the neck, groin or under arm which are identified as lumps. The affected lymph nodes can be removed by surgery.
Multicentric : This type is more serious than localized and affects more than one group of lymph nodes. It can also affect the other organs that contain lymph nodes. Sometimes it may occur in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This type can cause serious infections, fever, weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, nerve damage, weakness, and numbness. It weakens the immune system and can be a life-threatening. It can increase the risk of developing lymphomas.

Giant lymph node hyperplasia is also classified based on how the lymph nodes appear under the microscope. These are called microscopic subtypes.

Hyaline vascular Type : It is the most common type and it is localized. In very rare cases, it can be multicentric. It often have few symptoms.
Plasma cell Type : It is mostly a muticentric type and sometimes localized.
Mixed Subtype :occurs very less often and it shows the areas of both hyaline vascular and plasma cell types.
Plasmablastic Type :It is like the plasma cell type and is usually multicentric.