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Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)


Other names people use for this condition
  • Mast cell disease
Home > Genetic & Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) > Mastocytosis



Mastocytosis
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Mastocytosis is a disorder that can occur in both children and adults. It is caused by the presence of too many mast cells in the body. Mast cells contain substances such as histamine that regulate allergic reactions. Signs and symptoms of mastocytosis may include musculoskeletal pain, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, ulcers, diarrhea, and skin lesions. Treatment may include medications such as antihistamines (to prevent the effect of mast cell histamine) and anticholinergics (to relieve intestinal cramping).[1]

There are two broad categories of mastocytosis, cutaneous and systemic.[1] Cutaneous mastocytosis only affects the skin and is usually diagnosed in children. Systemic mastocytosis affects more than one part of the body and is usually diagnosed in adults. GARD provides additional information on cutaneous mastocytosis and systemic mastocytosis.


References
  1. Mastocytosis. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. January 2011 Available at: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/mastocytosis/Pages/overview.aspx. Accessed October 5, 2012.
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Questions & Answers (Found 1 Question)
A list of questions from the public on rare and/or genetic diseases that have been answered by the Genetic and Rare Disease Information Center. Click on each question to find the answer.
For more information about Mastocytosis click on the boxes below:
More Detailed Information Organizations Medical Products Services Scientific Conferences Clinical Trials & Research
 
More Detailed Information (Found 8 resources)
Links where you can find more general information, comprehensive resources, selected full text journal articles, and news updates. Disclaimer

  • General

    • TheDoctorsDoctor web site provides additional information about mastocytosis.
    • Medscape Reference has articles on two types of mastocytosis, systemic mastocytosis and cutaneous mastocytosis. You may need to register to view the information online, but registration is free.
    • The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library provides information on this condition. Click on the link to view the information.
    • The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) supports scientists developing better ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent the many infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases that afflict people worldwide. Click on the link to view information on this topic. 
    • The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is a federation of more than 130 nonprofit voluntary health organizations serving people with rare disorders. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
    • The Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database contains genetics resources that discuss Mastocytosis. Click on the link to go to OMIM and review these resources.
    • Orphanet is a database dedicated to information on rare diseases and orphan drugs.  Access to this database is free of charge.  Click on the link to read information on this topic.
    • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Mastocytosis. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.
 Organizations Providing General Support | Social Networking Websites
Organizations (Found 7 resources)
Groups providing a wide range of services, supportive resources, and information. Disclaimer



  • Organizations Providing General Support

  • Social Networking Websites

    • DNAandU.org is a Web site and blog that collects firsthand stories from people facing issues, making tough decisions, and using genomic (DNA) information in their own healthcare.  Click on the link to learn from their experiences and/or submit your own story.

    • Madisons Foundation
      P.O. Box 241956
      Los Angeles, CA 90024
      Telephone: 310-264-0826
      Fax: 310-264-4766
      E-mail: getinfo@madisonsfoundation.org  
      Web site: http://www.madisonsfoundation.org/  
    • RareConnect is an online social network for patients and families to connect with one another and share their experience living with a rare disease. The project is a joint collaboration between EURORDIS (European Rare Disease Organisation) and NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders). Click on the link above to view the community for Mastocytosis and mast cell activation disorders.
    • RareShare is an online social hub dedicated to patients, families and healthcare professionals affected by rare medical disorders.
 
Medical Products (Found 1 resource)
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Services (Found 2 resources)
Links to Web sites that offer services, such as tools to locate specialists, specialty clinics, genetic services, and genetic testing laboratories. Disclaimer

    • Many individuals want to know about healthcare professionals or researchers who have knowledge of their conditions. When a condition is rare, it can be difficult to find someone who has seen many cases. Although there is no list of experts in rare diseases, GARD's How to Find an Expert fact sheet provides several ways to identify healthcare professionals who have experience with a particular condition. Click on the link to access this resource and learn more.

  • Parent Resources

    • The Parent Technical Assistance Center Network provides a list of the Parent Training and Information Centers in each state. These centers are funded by the United States Department of Education to provide early intervention and special education information and training to parents of children with disabilities from birth to age 26. Click on the link to find the Parent Center in your state.
 
Scientific Conferences (Found 2 resources)
Resources where you can find information on completed and upcoming scientific conferences and programs. Disclaimer

  • Past Conferences

    • RDCRN 3rd Conference on Clinical Research for Rare Diseases, October 2, 2012
      Location: Hilton Washington DC/Rockville Hotel & Executive Meeting Center, Rockville, MD
      Description: Clinical research in rare diseases presents a number of challenges and unique issues that are not usually considered in the training of clinical investigators through existing training programs. Goals of the conference include: direct instruction of trainees and new investigators in rare disease research methodology; development of a reusable curriculum/syllabus on rare disease research methodology; and stimulation of ideas regarding the unique issues facing investigators engaged in the study of rare diseases.
    • VI International Conference on Rare Diseases and Orphan Drugs (ICORD 2010): Global Approach to Accessibility in Rare Diseases, Orphan Drugs and Neglected Diseases , March 18, 2010 - March 20, 2010
      Location: Palais Rouge Convention Center, Palermo, Buenos Aires
      Description: For the first time, the VI International Conference on Rare Diseases and Orphan Drugs (ICORD 2010) was convened in the southern hemisphere in agreement with its aim of globalization of rare diseases research and orphan products development activities.
 
Clinical Trials & Research (Found 4 resources)
Resources where you may find research studies and clinical trials. Disclaimer

    • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are studying or have studied Mastocytosis. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.
    • NIH Clinical Trials and You is a website developed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to help people learn more about clinical trials, why they matter, and how to participate.
    • The Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tool (RePORT) provides access to reports, data, and analyses of research activities at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including information on NIH expenditures and the results of NIH-supported research. Although these projects may not conduct studies on humans, you may want to contact the investigators to learn more. To search for studies, click on the link and enter the disease name in the "Terms Search" box. Then click "Submit Query".
      Link: http://projectreporter.nih.gov/reporter.cfm
  • Patient Registry

    • ResearchMatch is a free national research registry designed to bring together patients, healthy volunteers and researchers. Anyone from the United States can register with ResearchMatch, and a parent, legal guardian, or caretaker may register on behalf of a volunteer. Researchers from participating institutions use the ResearchMatch database to search for patients or healthy volunteers who meet the study criteria. Many studies are looking for healthy people of all ages, while some are looking for people with specific illnesses. ResearchMatch was developed by major academic institutions across the country and is funded by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.

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