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Mastocytosis
Related Diseases
- Cutaneous mastocytosis
- Mastocytosis cutaneous with short stature conductive hearing loss and microtia
- Systemic mastocytosis
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Overview
Mastocytosis is a disorder that can occur in both children and adults. It is caused by the presence of too many mast cells in the body. Mast cells contain substances such as histamine that regulate allergic reactions. Signs and symptoms of mastocytosis may include musculoskeletal pain, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, ulcers, diarrhea, and skin lesions. Treatment may include medications such as antihistamines (to prevent the effect of mast cell histamine) and anticholinergics (to relieve intestinal cramping).[1]
There are two broad categories of mastocytosis, cutaneous and systemic.[1] Cutaneous mastocytosis only affects the skin and is usually diagnosed in children. Systemic mastocytosis affects more than one part of the body and is usually diagnosed in adults. GARD provides additional information on cutaneous mastocytosis and systemic mastocytosis.
There are two broad categories of mastocytosis, cutaneous and systemic.[1] Cutaneous mastocytosis only affects the skin and is usually diagnosed in children. Systemic mastocytosis affects more than one part of the body and is usually diagnosed in adults. GARD provides additional information on cutaneous mastocytosis and systemic mastocytosis.
References
- Mastocytosis. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/mastocytosis/Pages/overview.aspx. Accessed May 15, 2013.
Your Questions Answered
by the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center2 question(s) from the public on Mastocytosis have been answered. See questions and answers. You can also submit a new question.
On this page
General Information
- Medscape Reference has articles on two types of mastocytosis, systemic mastocytosis and cutaneous mastocytosis. You may need to register to view the information online, but registration is free.
- TheDoctorsDoctor web site provides additional information about mastocytosis.
- The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library provides information on this condition. Click on the link to view the information.
- The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) supports scientists developing better ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent the many infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases that afflict people worldwide. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
- The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is a federation of more than 130 nonprofit voluntary health organizations serving people with rare disorders. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
- Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge. Click on the link to read information on this topic.
- PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Mastocytosis. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.
- The The Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database contains genetics resources that discuss Mastocytosis. Click on the link to go to OMIM and review these resources.