Mastocytosis and Skin Cancer: The Current State of Knowledge

Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Jun 7;24(12):9840. doi: 10.3390/ijms24129840.

Abstract

Mastocytosis is a heterogeneous group of diseases associated with excessive proliferation and accumulation of mast cells in different organs. Recent studies have demonstrated that patients suffering from mastocytosis face an increased risk of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. The cause of this has not yet been clearly identified. In the literature, the potential influence of several factors has been suggested, including genetic background, the role of cytokines produced by mast cells, iatrogenic and hormonal factors. The article summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of skin neoplasia in mastocytosis patients.

Keywords: diagnostics; mastocytosis; melanoma; non-melanoma skin cancer; pathogenesis; treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cytokines
  • Humans
  • Mast Cells / pathology
  • Mastocytosis* / diagnosis
  • Mastocytosis* / epidemiology
  • Mastocytosis* / therapy
  • Melanoma* / pathology
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Skin Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Skin Neoplasms* / etiology

Substances

  • Cytokines

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.