Print friendly version
Systemic mastocytosis
Other Names for this Disease
- Agressive systemic mastocytosis
- Indolent systemic mastocytosis
- Mast cell leukemia
- SMCD
- Systemic mast cell disease
See Disclaimer regarding information on this site. Some links on this page may take you to organizations outside of the National Institutes of Health.
Overview
Systemic mastocytosis is a condition caused by the accumulation of mast cells in more than one part of the body. Mast cells contain substances such as histamine that regulate allergic reactions. In systemic mastocytosis, mast cells may build up in the bone marrow, internal organs, or in the skin. This condition is usually diagnosed in adults. Treatment is generally based on a person's symptoms, but it may include antihistamines (to prevent the effect of mast cell histamine) or chemotherapy for more aggressive forms.[1]
There are several different types of systemic mastocytosis. Indolent systemic mastocytosis develops slowly, while aggressive systemic mastocytosis develops more rapidly. Another form, called systemic mastocytosis with associated hemotologic non-mast cell lineage disease (SM-AHNMD), is characterized by the presence of several types of blood disorders. Mast cell leukemia is a rare form of systemic mastocytosis.[2]
There are several different types of systemic mastocytosis. Indolent systemic mastocytosis develops slowly, while aggressive systemic mastocytosis develops more rapidly. Another form, called systemic mastocytosis with associated hemotologic non-mast cell lineage disease (SM-AHNMD), is characterized by the presence of several types of blood disorders. Mast cell leukemia is a rare form of systemic mastocytosis.[2]
References
- Mastocytosis. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/mastocytosis/Pages/overview.aspx. Accessed May 15, 2013.
- All About Mastocytosis. The Mastocytosis Society, Inc. http://tmsforacure.org/patients/mastocytosis_explained_2.php. Accessed October 5, 2012.
Your Questions Answered
by the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center3 question(s) from the public on Systemic mastocytosis have been answered. See questions and answers. You can also submit a new question.
On this page
General Information
- Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. Click on the link to view this information. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
- 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 Systemic mastocytosis. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.