Giant lymph node hyperplasia (Castleman's disease) in the chest.

We have experienced 7 cases of giant lymph node hyperplasia in the chest from 1981 to 1992. The ages of the 1 male and 6 female patients ranged from 9.9 to 40.4 years (mean age, 29.2 +/- 10.4 years). In 4 patients, a mass was discovered in routine radiographs. Focal calcification suggesting continual enlargement over a long time was noted in 1 patient. The sites of lesions were unusual in 2 patients (intercostal space and intrapulmonary fissure). All patients underwent surgical removal of the mass. Five cases had typical features of the hyaline-vascular type, and 2 cases revealed a mixture of the hyaline-vascular type and the plasma-cell type. Follow-up was available in all patients (mean follow-up, 31.9 months). In 1 patient, recurrence was observed 9 years after surgical removal. In general, giant lymph node hyperplasia can occur anywhere in the chest, grow without symptoms, and recur in spite of complete resection. Surgical resection and close follow-up are advised.