Osmosis video - Mastocytosis (NORD)

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.