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Mastocytosis with skin manifestations: current status
A D Katsamba1, A J Karpouzis, E Koumantaki-Mathioudaki
1Department of Dermatology, A. Sygros Hospital, National University School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
Aim:
To review our present knowledge about mastocyte origin, mastocytosis classification and management.
Methods:
Literature review.
Results:
Mastocytoses are chronic and recurrent disorders with symptoms which might either be limited only to the skin or to internal organs as well. The mastocytes, coming from bone marrow progenitor cells, migrate to tissues where they participate in inflammation and in cellular immunity as well as in the metabolism of connective and osseous tissues. Their proliferation causes the appearance of mastocytoses. The classification of the clinical manifestations of the mastocytoses into cutaneous, reactive (under the influence of the degranulator factors) and systemic disease, facilitates dialog among clinicians. Determination of prognosis and appropriate therapeutic regimens depend on individual features.
Conclusions:
Mastocytosis diagnosis is verified by histological study of skin lesion biopsy material. Management is symptomatic and unfortunately does not eradicate the disease.