Photo credit: Mast cells – Zoe Whyte, Mast cells, used with permission
Mast cell diseases can go unnoticed by almost everyone, yet be unmistakable to the person living with one. Today, on 20 October, people living with a mast cell disease, their families and advocates around the world come together to raise awareness and share real experiences.
Mast cells are a normal part of the immune system and are found in tissues throughout the body. They play important roles in immune defence, inflammation, allergic reactions and tissue repair.
Mast cells contain substances called mediators, including histamine and tryptase. When mast cells are activated, they release these mediators as part of the body’s normal immune response.
In some conditions, mast cells may be altered, their numbers may be increased, they may be activated inappropriately, or they may release excessive amounts of mediators.
Mastocytosis is a group of disorders characterised by an accumulation of abnormal mast cells in one or more organs. There are different forms, including:
Other mast cell-related conditions include mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and hereditary alpha-tryptasemia (HαT).
You can learn more about the different forms of mastocytosis and other mast cell related conditions from The Mast Cell Disease Society (TMS). https://tmsforacure.org/.
At Allergy UK, incorporating the Anaphylaxis UK, we are raising awareness specifically of systemic mastocytosis and its link with anaphylaxis.
Earlier this month, we published a brand new factsheet: Systemic Mastocytosis and its link with anaphylaxis. It is available here: Systemic Mastocytosis factsheet.
We are also delighted to announce the release of a new podcast episode: Understanding systemic mastocytosis and its impact.
The episode features: Dr Andrew Whyte, Consultant Allergist and Immunologist, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Jess Hobart, Chair of UKMasto.org, a charity supporting people diagnosed with mastocytosis and Charlotte Lane, sharing her lived experience as a parent navigating the daily realities of the condition.
For more information about mast cell diseases, including mastocytosis, MCAS and hereditary alpha-tryptasemia, visit the International Mastocytosis & Mast Cell Diseases Awareness Day website: mastocytosis-mcas.org.mastocytosis-mcas.