Common Symptoms Of Mastocytosis

Mastocytosis is a condition where an affected individual has an accumulation of mast cells in their organs that may include the liver, skin, spleen, small intestine, and bone marrow. Mastocytosis that only affects the skin is called cutaneous mastocytosis, and mastocytosis that affects more than one organ is called systemic mastocytosis. Systemic mastocytosis is more common among adults, whereas cutaneous mastocytosis is more commonly found in children. This condition is caused by a spontaneous gene mutation in the KIT gene that has usually not been inherited from a family member. However, rare cases of mastocytosis may be the result of an inherited genetic mutation. Diagnosis is determined through the use of skin biopsy, bone marrow biopsy, blood test, urine tests, bone scan, genetic testing, and or gastrointestinal evaluations. Treatment for mastocytosis is highly dependent on which parts of the individual's body are having symptoms.