What is a cause of Mastocytosis disease?”
Mastocytosis Mastocytosis is the term for a group of disorders caused by too many “mast cells”. It is most common in children, but the more important forms are seen in both children and adults. Mast cell are found throughout the body, but are especially plentiful in the skin and digestive tract. Mast cells are part of the immune defense system. They are also found around wounds, and seem to play a role in healing of injuries. Mast cells work by releasing chemicals that attract white blood cells to areas of the body where they are needed. Researchers also think mast cells may have a role in the growth of blood vessels. No one with too few or no mast cells has ever been found, which indicates to some scientists that having too few mast cells may be incompatible with life. The presence of too many mast cells, or mastocytosis, can occur in two forms: cutaneous and systemic. The cutaneous form is further divided into a diffuse and solitary type. The most common cutaneous (skin) form is also
Mastocytosis is a group of rare disorders of both children and adults caused by the presence of too many mast cells (mastocytes) and CD34+ mast cell precursors in a person’s body National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) scientists have been studying and treating patients with mastocytosis for several years at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center. Some of the most important research advances for this rare disorder include improved diagnosis of mast cell disease and identification of growth factors and genetic mechanisms responsible for increased mast cell production. Researchers are currently evaluating approaches to improve ways to treat mastocytosis. Scientists also are focusing on identifying disease-associated mutations (changes in genes). NIH scientists have identified some mutations, which may help researchers understand the causes of mastocytosis, improve diagnosis, and develop better treatments.
