October 20 is International Mastocytosis & Mast Cell Diseases Awareness Day.
Mastocytosis and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) are two different conditions involving mast cells, which are part of the immune system, but they have some key differences:
- Mastocytosis is a condition where you have an excessive number of mast cells in your body. These mast cells are abnormally accumulated in various organs and tissues. This overabundance can lead to symptoms. In one form called cutaneous mastocytosis, the skin is primarily affected. In other systemic forms the skin, internal organs, and bones can be affected. Mastocytosis is considered a rare disease and can be confirmed through blood tests and a biopsy of affected tissue.
- Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a condition where your mast cells, even if they are not too numerous, become overly sensitive and are easily triggered to release their chemicals, like histamine. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including skin issues, stomach problems, headaches, and more. MCAS doesn’t necessarily involve an excess of mast cells like mastocytosis does, but rather it’s about how they react and release substances. MCAS is often considered an emerging condition and can be diagnosed based on symptoms and tests that show mast cell activation. Mast cells can be involved in allergies, and nerve problems, and are commonly seen in connective tissue disorders such as the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD).
In a simple way, mastocytosis is about having too many mast cells, while MCAS is about having mast cells that are too sensitive and reactive. Both conditions can cause similar symptoms, but their underlying causes and diagnostic criteria are different. It’s important to see a doctor if you suspect you have either of these conditions, as they require different approaches to diagnosis and management.
Read more about Mast Cell Disorders in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, diagnosis, and treatment. Watch the recordings from the EDS ECHO Summit: Allergy and Immunology Complications event.
Fatigue is a common symptom in MCAS. The inflammation caused by MCAS is an energy drain. Dr. Anne Maitland will present at tomorrow’s EDS ECHO Summit event on Mast Cell Disorders, Inflammation, and Fatigue. View the agenda and register.
