Classification of mast cell disorders

Primary mast cell disorders are conditions in which clonal populations of mast cells arise from an affected progenitor. These cells demonstrate intrinsic defects in proliferation and activation pathways and abnormal genetic and surface markers. Secondary mast cell disorders are conditions in which mast cells are normal in quantity and function and are responding to an external stimulus, such as an allergen, autoantibody, drug, or products of complement activation. Idiopathic mast cell disorders are conditions in which there is no identifiable cause of mast cell activation.