What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Systemic Mastocytosis?

Systemic mastocytosis is a rare disorder characterized by an excessive accumulation of mast cells in various organs and tissues. These mast cells can release chemicals into the body that can cause a variety of symptoms. The signs and symptoms of systemic mastocytosis can vary greatly from person to person and can range from mild to severe. They may include:

• Flushing: This is a sudden feeling of warmth and redness in the skin, particularly on the face and neck.
• Itching: This can be severe and is often accompanied by flushing.
• Abdominal pain: This can be caused by the accumulation of mast cells in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Diarrhea: This can also be a result of mast cell accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms can occur as a result of mast cell activity in the stomach.
• Ulcers in the stomach or intestines: These can occur due to increased stomach acid production stimulated by mast cells.
• Anaphylaxis: This is a severe allergic reaction that can cause low blood pressure, fainting, difficulty breathing, and shock. It can be life-threatening.
• Bone pain: This can occur due to mast cell accumulation in the bones.
• Enlarged liver, spleen or lymph nodes: These can occur due to mast cell accumulation in these organs.

The Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Systemic Mastocytosis

• Flushing and itching: These are often the first symptoms to appear and can be triggered by certain foods, alcohol, medications, emotional stress, or physical stimuli such as heat, cold, or friction.
• Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea: These symptoms can occur due to the effect of mast cells on the gastrointestinal tract.
• Anaphylaxis: This is a common and serious symptom of systemic mastocytosis. It can be triggered by certain medications, insect stings, or other allergens.

Seek Care For Your Systemic Mastocytosis

If you are experiencing symptoms of systemic mastocytosis, it is important to seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider can perform tests to diagnose the condition and determine the extent of mast cell accumulation in your body. Treatment for systemic mastocytosis typically involves managing symptoms and preventing severe allergic reactions. This may include medications to block the effects of mast cell chemicals, treat allergic reactions, and reduce mast cell production. In severe cases, chemotherapy or stem cell transplantation may be considered.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and want to know what has worked for other cancer patients, visit HealthTree's Side Effect Solutions tool. Here you can search for the symptoms you are experiencing and read about what's worked (and what hasn't worked) for patients just like you.

Want to Learn More About Systemic Mastocytosis?

Keep reading HealthTree for Systemic Mastocytosis's 101 pages!

• What Is Systemic Mastocytosis?
• How Is Systemic Mastocytosis Diagnosed?
• How Long Will I Live With Systemic Mastocytosis?
• How Is Systemic Mastocytosis Staged And Classified?
• What Are Treatments For Systemic Mastocytosis?