Mast Cell Disorders, Melanoma and Pancreatic Carcinoma: From a Clinical Observation to a Brief Review of the Literature

Acta Dermatovenerol Croat. 2017 Jul;25(2):112-119.

Abstract

Mastocytosis can be associated with other clonal or non-clonal hematologic diseases as well as a variety of non-hematologic malignancies. A 75-year-old Caucasian male patient was referred to us with a 5-month history of neutrophilic leukocytosis and mild splenomegaly. He had developed a cutaneous melanoma sixteen years ago. According to the clinical and pathological features, a final diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis was established. The patient started treatment with interferon-α at a dose of 3 MIU/day, combined with low doses of prednisone. We observed a rapid disappearance of symptoms. Unfortunately, after 3 months a diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma was established. A review of the literature suggests that mastocytes could have a pivotal role in several malignancies. Different chemokines, mitogenic factors, chemical mediators of inflammation, and specific gene mutations could explain the association between mastocytosis and other hematologic and non-hematologic disorders.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / complications*
  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnosis*
  • Aged
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mastocytosis / complications*
  • Mastocytosis / diagnosis
  • Melanoma / complications*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / complications*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Skin Neoplasms / complications*