What is systemic mastocytosis?
Systemic mastocytosis is an uncommon condition involving a certain type of body cell known as a mast cell. Mast cells are found in the connective tissue that surrounds and supports the more ordered tissues and organs of the body. Cartilage, bone and blood are specialised examples of connective tissue. Mast cells mediate the skin’s response to mild mechanical injury, producing immediate reddening of the skin due to the release of a chemical called histamine from granules within the cell. An over production of mast cells can occur at any age and is seen slightly more often in males. The exact prevalence of systemic mastocytosis is not known and there has been no link made to it being a familial condition. Systemic mastocytosis is classified into four forms: • The majority of patients have what is referred to as an ‘Indolent’ form that is not known to alter life expectancy and the associated clinical findings define their treatment and management. • If the blood system is involved (‘assoc
