Mastocytosis

Mastocytosis encompasses a range of disorders characterised by overproliferation and accumulation of tissue mast cells. The clinical signs vary and depend on local accumulation of mast cells in different organs and the effects of their mediators. Mast-cell disease is most commonly seen in the skin, but the skeleton, bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, and central nervous system may also be involved. The prevalence is unknown. The occurrence of cutaneous mastocytosis is estimated as one case in every 1000-8000 dermatology outpatient visits.1 Familial occurrences are unusual and the disorder occurs equally in both sexes.