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Mastocytosis, or clonal mast cell disease, is a rare disorder that leads to increased numbers of incorrectly functioning mast cells.
Mast cells are a kind of white blood cell that have many roles in the immune system, including allergic reactions.
There are two main categories of mastocytosis. In cutaneous mastocytosis, the mast cells accumulate only in the skin.
In systemic mastocytosis, mast cells also accumulate in other tissues, like the liver, spleen, lymph nodes, gastrointestinal tract, and, most commonly, bone marrow.
Generally, the signs and symptoms of mastocytosis are similar to an allergic reaction. They can range between categories and from mild to life-threatening.
Some examples are pain, flushing, malaise, headaches, memory and concentration difficulties, stomach aches, production of more than the usual amount of gastric juices, abdominal discomfort, nausea, bloating or diarrhea, and anaphylaxis which is a severe allergic reaction that can be deadly.
Now, within each main category of mastocytosis, there are additional forms. Their distinction can be based on more specific signs and symptoms.
For example, in the most common form of cutaneous mastocytosis, lesions appear on the skin’s surface as brownish, flat or elevated spots.
They may be surrounded by Darier’s signs, which are areas of skin that become red and itchy when scratched or rubbed.
In the rarest form, lesions aren’t present but the skin is rougher and thicker. Itching and blistering may also occur in individuals who are less than one year old.
Some skin changes may be present in systemic mastocytosis, but these forms also involve dysfunction in other tissues.
Blood cell production in the bone marrow may decrease and bones may soften and weaken. In addition to liver dysfunction, swelling or enlargement of the liver, spleen or lymph nodes may occur.
In aggressive systemic mastocytosis, liver function may be lost and in advanced mastocytosis, other blood disorders such as leukemias can form.
Mastocytosis is a rare disorder where mast cells are abnormally high in number (a type of white blood cell) and activated throughout the body. Mast cells play a role in the immune system and can be found in almost all tissues of the body.
Mastocytosis is divided into two categories; cutaneous mastocytosis, which only affects the skin, and systemic mastocytosis, which involves multiple organs. Symptoms depend on the involved organs, but can include skin rash, itching, flushing (redness), swelling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and shortness of breath.
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