Mastocytosis

What is Mastocytosis?

Mastocytosis is a condition characterized by the penetration of mast cells which are connective tissue cells into the body tissues. Mast cells are known to release chemicals like histamine which can be very irritating as well as cause itching, swelling, and fluid leakage from cells. Mastocytosis is otherwise known as the orphan disease. The appearance of the mastocytosis can be described well with the help of the tissue culture microscope.

Who can be affected by mastocytosis?

Mastocytosis can affect both children and adults. As observed under the tissue culture microscope, it is caused by the presence of too many mast cells in the body and can be found in skin, linings of the stomach as well as the intestine. It can also affect the connective tissue composed of cartilage or tendons as observed in the tissue culture microscope. Role of the mast cells in the body

Mast cells play a significant part in helping the body’s immune system from disease. They have the capacity to attract other key players of the immune defense system to areas of the body where they are most needed. Mast cells release chemical “alarms” like histamine and cytokines as noted in the tissue culture microscope.

Aside from the immune system function mast cells have other roles as well. Tissue samples taken from wound and examined with the use of the tissue culture microscope showed that mast cells were noted to gather around wounds. Thus, they may play a role in wound healing. The usual itching around a healing scab is likely due to the histamine released by mast cells. Researchers believe that mast cells may also have a role in the growth of blood vessels.

Classifications for mastocytosis

Mastocytosis can occur in two forms, the cutaneous and systemic. The most common cutaneous or skin form is referred to as urticaria pigmentosa. It occurs when the mast cells infiltrate the skin. Urticaria pigmentosa can be examined extensively with the use of the tissue culture microscope. Systemic mastocytosis on the other hand is caused by mast cells which accumulate in the tissues. This type of mastocytosis can be studied well with the aid of the tissue culture microscope. Systemic mastocytosis can affect organs such as the liver, spleen, bone marrow, and small intestine.

What are the symptoms of mastocytosis?

One important symptom of mastocytosis is the changes in the functioning of the body brought about by the chemicals released by mast cells. The release of chemicals may result to typical allergic responses such as flushing, itching, abdominal cramping, and even shock. As studied in the tissue culture microscope, when there are too many mast cells in the body, the additional chemicals can cause musculoskeletal pain, abdominal discomfort, nausea and vomiting, ulcers, diarrhea and skin lesions

Aside from that, mastocytosis can likewise cause episodes of hypotension or very low blood pressure and faintness or anaphylaxis or shock.

Diagnosis

The tissue culture microscope can be used in the diagnosis of urticaria pigmentosa by studying the appearance of the skin. This can be confirmed by finding an abnormally high number of mast cells on a skin biopsy.as examined in the tissue culture microscope. The diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis is made when an increased number of abnormal mast cells are found during an examination of the bone marrow.

There are other tests that are significant in evaluating a suspected case of mastocytosis. This includes a search for specific genetic mutations that health experts associate with this disease.

Treatment

Doctors prescribe various medicines to treat mastocytosis symptoms. The treatment includes antihistamines which will prevent the effect of mast cell histamine. Anticholinergics can also be prescribed to relieve intestinal cramping. A number of medicines treat specific symptoms of mastocytosis. Topical steroids may temporarily reduce skin lesions. If mastocytosis is malignant, cancerous, or associated with a blood disorder, steroids and/or chemotherapy may be required.