The Australasian Mastocytosis Society (TAMS)

Advocacy, education, research and support for mast cell activation disorder (MCAD) patients, physicians, families and caregivers.

What are MCADs?

DONATE TO TAMS

Please help us advocate for and support people with mast cell activation disorders (MCADs) such as mastocytosis and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Many people with MCADs are provided with limited correct information especially when trying to adjust to their diagnosis. We seek your help with fundraising and developing these resources to make a real difference to these people’s quality of life.

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STAY CONNECTED

Stay informed with the latest news, research updates, education, webinars and events from TAMS.

Subscribe to receive our free e-news and be among the first to hear about research and clinical trial updates, education webinars and resources, support initiatives, events and awareness campaigns, along with new resources for patients, families and health professionals.

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NEED HELP?

TAMS receives a lot of emails, calls and messages from people seeking diagnosis and treatment for their mast cell diseases. We have put together some information to help you with your diagnosis and treatment journey. If you need support finding a specialist in your area, please contact us.

READ OUR 'NEED HELP' PAGE

LATEST NEWS AND ALERTS

Immediate action required for equitable access to rare disease treatments

TAMS urges our community and their families to contact their local MPs and Senators to support urgent reform of Australia’s Health Technology Assessment (HTA) system.

Help shape Australian-led mast cell activation disorder (MCAD) research today

Participate in a meaningful Australian-led research project directed by Jackson Rees, a Master of Genomics and Health student at the University of Melbourne, with assistance from TAMS.

April holidays: A practical guide to staying safe and communicating your needs

Tips for managing Easter and April gatherings with MCADs, with practical ways to plan ahead, reduce triggers and stay safe.

Valentine’s Day with an MCAD

For people living with mast cell activation disorders (MCADs), and for those who love them, Valentine’s Day can sometimes come with hidden challenges.

Videos: Expert interviews on mast cell activation disorders

TAMS is pleased to share a new expert mast cell activation disorder interview series developed as part of the 2025 Awareness Day sponsorship.

Webinar: Managing eye discomfort in mast cell activation disorders

TAMS is pleased to present a special webinar session with Ashleigh Peters of Wollongong City Optical, an optometrist with a special interest in dry eye disease and comprehensive eye health examinations.

READ MORE NEWS

TAMS Research Fund

Since its inception in 2012, TAMS has championed national and international research into mast cell diseases. But we want to do more. The TAMS Research Advisory Committee is working to develop a research grants program to fund specific post-grad studies into mast cell disorders.

We need your help to reach our new target of $40,000. We have already raised $33,000, so we are asking you to raise another $7,000.

Personal donations received via the TAMS Donation page between now and 30 June 2026 will be allocated to the TAMS Research Fund.

Find out more about the Fund

Donate to the Fund

ABOUT TAMS

The Australasian Mastocytosis Society (TAMS) has been created as an advocacy, education and support body for those throughout Australasia who suffer from or care for those with mast cell activation disorders (MCADs) such as mastocytosis and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). TAMS has been established due to the overwhelming need for sufferers and their supporters to find a local voice and active support network.

TAMS is an independent ‘not for profit’ incorporated organisation with a committed and functional volunteer committee of individuals – all of whom are sufferers or carers – ensuring your needs will be met.

TAMS education, networking and support

We provide a network of education and support for patients living with mast cell activation disorders including systemic mastocytosis, cutaneous mastocytosis and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and their carers.

We connect patients

to medical practitioners and specialists with knowledge of mastocytosis and MCAS.

We link worldwide

with associations to collectively gather research data, share resources and knowledge for greater understanding, treatment practices, medications, improved health outcomes and raising awareness globally.

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OUR VISION

Through the building of strong relationships and a greater knowledge base, expand TAMS in geographical and intellectual areas to better support an ever-expanding database of sufferers, their supporters and clinicians.

MASTOCYTOSIS

Mastocytosis has been defined as an abnormal accumulation of mast cells in one or more organ systems. Previously classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a myeloproliferative neoplasm, mastocytosis is now classified in its own category under myeloid neoplasms. Broadly separated into three categories, cutaneous mastocytosis (CM), systemic mastocytosis (SM) and mast cell sarcoma. These diseases occur in both children and adults.

CHILDREN WITH MASTOCYTOSIS

The most common form of mastocytosis in children is cutaneous mastocytosis (CM), accounting for approximately 90 percent of mastocytosis cases in this age group. The prognosis is excellent for children with CM who have onset of skin lesions within the first two years of life (most children) as spontaneous resolution or improvement is common after several years. CM that develops after the age of two years tends to persist.

MAST CELL ACTIVATION SYNDROME (MCAS)

A subset of MCAD patients who experience episodes of mast cell activation without detectable evidence of a proliferative mast cell disorder. Some patients who exhibit symptoms of mast cell mediator release do not fulfil the criteria for SM. Diagnosis requires consistent symptoms, reported benefit with medications and diagnostic evidence of excess mast cells in tissue biopsies or abnormal mast cell mediators in blood or urine tests. This is referred to as mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS).