Mastocytosis
Mastocytosis is a rare condition caused by an excess number of mast cells gathering in the body's tissues.
There are two main types of mastocytosis:
There are alsoseveral subtypes of systemic mastocytosis, depending on the symptoms.
This topic covers:
What are mast cells?
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Complications
Mast cells are produced in the bone marrow, the spongy tissue found in the hollow centres of some bones, and live longer than normal cells. They're an important part ofthe immune system andhelpfight infection.
When mast cells detect a substance that triggers an allergic reaction (an allergen), they release histamine and other chemicalsinto the bloodstream.
Histamine makes the blood vessels expand and the surrounding skin itchy and swollen. It can also create a build-up of mucus in the airways, which become narrower.
The symptoms of mastocytosis can vary depending on the type.
The most common symptom of cutaneous mastocytosis is abnormal growths (lesions) on the skin, such asbumps and spots, which can form on the body and sometimes blister.
Some people with systemic mastocytosis may experience episodes of severe symptomsthat last 15-30 minutes, often with specific triggers such asphysical exertionor stress. Many people don't have any problems.
During an episode youmay have:
There are three subtypes of systemic mastocytosis. They are:
People with mastocytosis have an increased risk ofdeveloping a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction. This is known as anaphylaxis .
The increased risk of anaphylaxisiscaused bytheabnormally highnumber of mast cells and their potential to release large amounts of histamine into the blood.
If you or your child has mastocytosis, you may need to carry an adrenaline auto-injector, which can be used to treat the symptoms of anaphylaxis .
However, in most cases the mutation happens for no apparent reason (spontaneous).
A physical examination of the skin is the first stage in diagnosing cutaneous mastocytosis.
Your child's GP or skin specialist (dermatologist) may rub the affected areas of skin to see if they become red, inflamed and itchy. This is known as Darier's sign.
It's usually possible to confirm a diagnosis by carrying out a biopsy , where a small skin sample is taken and checked for mast cells.
Five tests are commonly used to look for systemic mastocytosis. They are:
A diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis is usually made by finding typical changes on a bone marrow biopsy.
There's no cure for mastocytosis, sothe aim of treatment is totry to relievethe symptoms.
Treatment options will depend on thetype ofmastocytosis and the severity of the symptoms.
Mild to moderate cases of cutaneous mastocytosis can be treated with steroid cream (topical corticosteroids) for a short time.
Steroid cream reduces the number of mast cells that can release histamine and trigger swelling (inflammation) in the skin.
Antihistamines can also be used to treat the symptoms of cutaneous or indolent mastocytosis, such as red skin and itchiness.
Antihistamines are a type of medication that block the effects of histamine, and areoften used to treat allergic conditions.
Indolent systemic mastocytosis shouldn't affect life expectancy, but other types can.
A fewpeople developa serious blood condition, such as chronic leukaemia, over their lifetime.
Read about mastocytosis, a rare condition caused by an excess number of mast cells gathering in the body's tissues.
Read about the symptoms of mastocytosis, which can vary depending on the type of mastocytosis you have.
Read about treatment options for mastocytosis, which depend on which type you have and how severe your symptoms are.