What's a Mast Cell Disorder?

Mastocytosis is a genetic immune disorder in which certain cells (mast cells) grow abnormally and cause a range of symptoms, including diarrhea and bone pain. You can't prevent it, but you can avoid triggers and get treatment.

What is the life expectancy of someone with mast cell disease?

Most patients survive less than 1 year and respond poorly to cytoreductive drugs or chemotherapy. Mast cell activation disease in general has long been thought to be rare.

What does a mast cell rash look like?

You might have a red and itchy rash if there are too many mast cells in your skin. You could get hives or have a rash that looks like freckles. If you rub the rash, it can get red and swollen. Sometimes the mast cells collect at one spot in your skin and cause one large lump.