Systemic mastocytosis (SM) can be considered a type of cancer — but for the majority of patients, this label doesn’t mean what we usually think of when we hear the word “cancer.” For us to understand why some subtypes of SM are treated as cancers, it is first important to establish a basic understanding of what cancer is.
What is cancer?
In a nutshell, cancer is a disease in which cells grow and proliferate uncontrollably in the body. Normally, cells grow, differentiate, and die. With cancer, however, certain triggers cause cells to keep growing and growing.
One of the most common signs of cancer is a tumor, which is an example of cell growth that has gone too far. If the tumor is localized and the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body, the cancer is considered “benign.” This means that the tumor or affected part of the body can be safely removed through surgery without risk of the cancer spreading any further.
However, cancer cells may spread to other parts of the body, primarily through the bloodstream and the lymphatic system. When cancer cells proliferate in other organs of the body and disrupt the normal function of these organs, the cancer is considered “malignant.” This type of cancer is much harder to treat. As cancer cells grow in parts of the body far from its place of origin, outcomes tend to be much poorer. Patients may experience pain and weakness as a result of advanced cancer. Furthermore, the intensive therapies used to treat advanced cancer can also take a heavy toll on the body as these therapies kill both cancerous cells and normal cells.
Understanding SM and cancer
There are five subtypes of SM, ranging from more mild to severe. In mild cases (such as indolent SM), a type of blood cell called mast cells accumulate abnormally in the body, but do not cause many symptoms or problems.
This abnormal buildup of cells is why SM is considered a cancer. However, patients with milder subtypes of SM have normal life expectancies and do not need aggressive treatments.
Read more about SM prognosis
The most advanced forms of SM, however, are both considered and treated as cancers. These include aggressive SM, SM with an associated hematologic neoplasm, and mast cell leukemia. These disorders are characterized by the aggressive accumulation of mast cells in the body and can result in significant organ damage. Organs typically affected in cancerous SM include the liver and the spleen. Advanced SM can cause considerable symptoms.
This is a fast-growing type of cancer that is challenging to treat. Depending on the severity of the cancer, expected life expectancy may be drastically reduced.
Treatment for advanced SM
If you have been diagnosed with a cancerous form of SM, a team of doctors will decide a treatment regimen that is best for you. These treatments may cause significant side effects and complications; however, they may be the only way to potentially secure better outcomes. It is therefore important that you listen carefully to your doctors in terms of the actions you need to take to ensure optimal recovery.
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