Diseases
systemic mastocytosis
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Systemic mastocytosis is a rare disorder that results in too many mast cells building up in your body. A mast cell is a type of white blood cell. Mast cells are found in connective tissues throughout your body. Mast cells help your immune system function properly and normally help protect you from disease.
Symptoms
- flushing, itching or hives
- abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
- anemia or bleeding disorders
- bone and muscle pain
- enlarged liver, spleen or lymph nodes
Causes
- most cases of systemic mastocytosis are caused by a random change (mutation) in the kit gene.
Risk factors
- age. most often, cutaneous mastocytosis begins during infancy and early childhoo
- family history.
Diagnosis
- blood or urine tests
- skin biopsy
- bone marrow biopsy
- imaging tests such as an x-ray, ultrasound, bone scan and ct scan
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is systemic mastocytosis?
Systemic mastocytosis is a rare disorder that results in too many mast cells building up in your body. A mast cell is a type of white blood cell. Mast cells are found in connective tissues throughout your body. Mast cells help your immune system function properly and normally help protect you from disease.
What are the symptoms of systemic mastocytosis?
flushing, itching or hives, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, anemia or bleeding disorders, bone and muscle pain, enlarged liver, spleen or lymph nodes
What causes systemic mastocytosis?
most cases of systemic mastocytosis are caused by a random change (mutation) in the kit gene.
Which medicines are used for systemic mastocytosis?
cromolyn sodium
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.