Theres no way to prevent it, but you might avoid triggers and find treatments that work for you.
However, they are different.
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What Does Mastocytosis Look Like?
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Mastocytosis affects roughly one to two people per 20,000 across the globe.Its considered a rare disease.
Symptoms can start in childhood or adulthood.
If the condition has an onset in childhood, babies usually experience symptoms before they are 1 year old.
Mastocytosis has many possible symptoms.
The symptoms depend on where the mast cells accumulate.
The most common symptoms of mastocytosis are skin changes.
These can include:
What Are Mast Cells?
Mast cellsare a jot down of white blood cell and part of the bodys immune system.
Mast cells protect you by releasing chemicals that create an inflammatory immune response.
When this happens in response to an infection or injury, it helps the body heal.
This can cause inflammation and discomfort in these organs.
Although mastocytosis isnt considered anautoimmune disease, it is an immune system disease.
It happens when mast cells accumulate in the skin, leading to the symptoms outlined above.
People with cutaneous mastocytosis mostly experience skin-related symptoms, but adults with this variety might have other symptoms too.
Systemic Mastocytosis
With systemic mastocytosis, mast cells can accumulate anywhere in the body.
Patients with this throw in of mastocytosis might have skin symptoms or might not.
They can lead to a shortened life span, although this varies widely.
Mastocytosis results from a genetic mutation that happens when a fetus is developing.
The condition isnt inherited and doesnt run in families.
That means mast cells are always growing and active, causing them to build up within the body.
What Are the Symptoms of Mastocytosis?
Many people with mastocytosis find that certain triggers make their symptoms worse.
Common triggers include:
How Is Mastocytosis Diagnosed?
Healthcare providers typically start with a physical exam to diagnose mastocytosis.
Theyll ask you about your symptoms and triggers.
If they believe you have mastocytosis, they will likely order a biopsy.
If they suspect cutaneous mastocytosis, theyll order askin biopsy.
For systemic mastocytosis, theyll need abone marrow biopsy.
If you have a certain level of these markers, you meet the criteria for mastocytosis diagnosis.
Blood tests may also help to diagnose mastocytosis.
Mastocytosis Treatment
Currently, treatment for mastocytosis focuses mostly on controlling symptoms.
However, researchers are working to develop targeted therapies that can address the root cause of the condition.
Available treatments for mastocytosis include:
In severe cases, healthcare providers might recommend immune system therapies and chemotherapy.
Complications of Mastocytosis
Mastocytosis can be very serious.
If you have the condition, its important to work with your healthcare provider to control symptoms.
Severe forms of mastocytosis can lead to blood cancer, osteoporosis, depression, and other serious conditions.
Early intervention and management of other conditions that arise from your mastocytosis can help keep you healthy.
Can You Prevent Mastocytosis?
The best way to do that is by avoiding triggers.
This takes time and practice to learn what causes symptoms to flare up.
Whats the Outlook for People With Mastocytosis?
Most people with mastocytosis have mild forms of the disease.
They can control symptoms by avoiding triggers and taking medications without impacting their life expectancy.
However, more aggressive forms of systemic mastocytosis can be deadly.
Skin symptoms such as flushing and hives are the most common symptoms associated with mastocytosis.
In most cases, mastocytosis doesnt impact life expectancy.
If youre worried or overwhelmed by the diagnosis, talk to your doctor about your specific prognosis and outlook.
Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Mastocytosis.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Mastocytosis.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Systemic mastocytosis.
Mast Cell Hope.Living with mast cell disease triggers and symptoms.
