Mastocytosis
Overview
Mastocytosis is a rare condition caused by an excess number of mast cells gathering in the body's tissues.
Symptoms
The symptoms of mastocytosis can vary depending on the type.
Causes
The cause or causes of mastocytosis are not fully known, but there's thought to be an association with a change in genes known as the KIT mutation. The KIT mutation makes the mast cells more sensitive to the effects of a signalling protein called stem cell factor (SCF). SCF plays an important role in stimulating the production and survival of certain cells, such as blood cells and mast cells, inside the bone marrow. In very few cases of mastocytosis it appears the KIT mutation is passed down through families. However, in most cases the mutation happens for no apparent reason.