Thursday, July 3, 2014

Diagnosis of mast cell diseases


Mastocytoma of the skin is also diagnosed by skin biopsy.
Systemic mastocytosis (SM) has the following diagnostic criteria:
A few things to keep in mind:
The following are the diagnostic criteria for MCAS:
B findings:
C findings:
3.       Large osteolytic lesions and/or pathological fractures.
4.       Swelling of the spleen with impaired function.
5.       Malabsorption with weight loss and/or low albumin.
Mast cell sarcoma is a very aggressive form of sarcoma.  It is diagnosed by biopsy of the tumor.  People with these tumors quickly developed mast cell leukemia.  There have only been three known cases in humans.  To be clear, this is NOT the same as mastocytoma.  Mastocytomas are benign.


  1. You have once again cleared it all up! Thank you!

  2. Thank you for your blog... your information... your wisdom! One question here, what does a positive Darier's sign mean, or not mean? Thank you!

  3. This is a good question. I'll do a post on Darier's sign tomorrow.

  4. Just signed up for the email subscription! :)

  5. I started having allergic symptoms about 6 months ago. (Itching everywhere,Hives,Acid Reflux,and increased asthma attacks) the only relief I've had is taking 360mg. Of Alegra, proton pump inhibitors,Inhalors and prednisone) Though I still itch a bit and still have dermitagraphia. Not sure how much to read into this but my Alergist had my Dermatologist Re-Run one of my skin biopsies that previously had come back as "inconclusive" to look for mast cells and as it turns out there was a "Slight Increase" in Mast cells and added possible (T.E.M.P.) to the diagnosis which is a form of Mastocytosis apparently. Found a new Hemotologist to see me out of University of Chicago Cancer Centsr and they are saying they don't rem ever seeing this and are as curious as I am about this now! Just took C-Kit test along with 24 Hr. Urine as well as other blood work. Does any of this sound familiar and do you think the Skin Biopsy says anything? Just looking for any opinions...Hope everyone else is well!

    1. I forgot to add I've had "IBS" issues for years as well along with blood tests a year ago indicating "High Liver function"

  6. Sorry, another correction. That diagnosis on the Biopsy was "T.M.E.P." I must be getting Dyslexia too.... Too much medical language for me.