What is a mastocytoma?
Mastocytoma is the name given to a form of cutaneous mastocytosis in which there is a dermal accumulation of mast cells forming one to thee solitary lesions [1].
Mastocytoma
Who gets a mastocytoma?
Mastocytoma is most often diagnosed in an infant aged 0 to 3 months of age. They are rarely diagnosed in an adult [2]. Mastocytoma is not usually familial.
What causes a mastocytoma?
Mastoma has been associated with a mutation of the KIT gene, which codes for a transmembrane tyrosine receptor on the mast cell responsible for its growth and function [3].
Activation of mast cells causes them to release histamine and other chemicals, which causes localised redness, swelling, itching, and, sometimes, blistering.
What are the clinical features of mastocytoma?
One to three mastocytomas usually appear in early childhood within the first few months of age. They can occur on any site of the body
Typical characteristics of mastocytoma are:
- A firm, macule or indurated plaque 1–5 cm in diameter
- The surface may be pitted (peau d'orange appearance)
- Red, pink, yellow or brown in colour
- Intermittent itching, especially when rubbed
- Rubbing causes the lesion to urticate (redden and swell) for 15 minutes or so (a positive Darier sign). A blister may occur.
Occasionally localised or generalised flushing may occur when the mast cells release chemicals such as histamine into the skin.
Darier sign in mastocytoma
How is mastocytoma diagnosed?
Mastocytoma can usually be diagnosed clinically, especially when a positive Darier sign is elicited. Dermatoscopy is non-specific [4], and the usual patterns seen in melanocytic naevus are absent. Blood tests are not required.
A skin biopsy reveals a monomorphous mononuclear cell infiltrate that stains positively with a c-KIT and tryptase immunoperoxidase stains [2,3].
What is the differential diagnosis with mastocytoma?
At first, it is common for symptomatic mastocytoma to be thought to be a persistent insect bite reaction. If the lesion is not itchy, a congenital or early-onset melanocytic naevus may be considered.
Four or more mast cell lesions are best described as maculopapular cutaneous mastocytosis (urticaria pigmentosa).
If Darier sign is positive in adult-onset mastocytoma, the possibility of more widespread cutaneous mastocytosis or systemic mastocytosis should be considered, especially if there are systemic symptoms such as flushing.
What is the treatment for mastocytoma?
Scratching or trauma to the lesion should be minimised to avoid itch, swelling, and blistering.
If the mastocytoma is causing a lot of itching, this can often be relieved with an oral antihistamine. Topical tacrolimus ointment has also been reported to reduce symptoms due to a mastocytoma.
A mastocytoma in a cosmetically sensitive area may be excised [3], but localised urtication may persist within the scar [2].
What is the outcome for mastocytoma?
Mastocytomas arising in infancy usually disappear before puberty [1].