Abnormal proliferation of mast cells in a variety of tissues; may be systemic, involving a variety of organs, or cutaneous (urticaria pigmentosa). [mastocyte + G. -osis, condition]
- diffuse m. infiltration of many organ systems by mast cells with varied clinical manifestations that can include fever, weight loss, flushing, bronchospasm, rhinorrhea, palpitations, dyspnea, diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding, and hypotension. SYN: systemic m..
- diffuse cutaneous m. a benign process consisting of focal cutaneous infiltrates composed of mast cells; lesions are flat or slightly elevated, form wheals and itch when stroked; bone lesions may occur.
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mas·to·cy·to·sis (mas″to-si-toґsis) [masto- + cytosis] a group of rare diseases characterized by infiltrates of mast cells in the tissues and sometimes other organs. The group includes diffuse and systemic m., mastocytoma, urticaria pigmentosa, and telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans.Medical dictionary. 2011.