Overview

Sickle cell disease is a group of disorders passed from parents to children (genetic) that includes sickle cell anemia. It is a condition in which the red blood cells can take on a curved shape, like a sickle. Normal red blood cells are round, soft discs, like doughnuts without holes.

 

In sickle cell disease, red blood cells start out normal, but if they are stressed they become curved, hard, and sticky. When cells “sickle” it is hard for them to move through the bloodstream. Though they are very small, the sickle cells can damage the blood vessels, keep blood from flowing well, and cause pain and other damage.

 

Children with sickle cell disease are treated at Seattle Children’s, an SCCA parent organization, that has a long history of successfully caring for children and teens with sickle cell disease. And if your health-care provider recommends a bone-marrow transplant, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance is the best place to be.

  

Sickle cell disease Facts

Learn about the risk factors and symptoms of Sickle cell disease, how it is diagnosed, and how its stages are determined.

Treatment Options

Regardless of the stage of your illness, the unsurpassed expertise of our physicians makes Seattle Children's and SCCA the ideal treatment centers for Sickle cell disease.

Our Expertise

SCCA is a comprehensive treatment center that provides the latest therapies with compassionate support. Our renowned specialists from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, UW Medicine, and Seattle Children's are working together to improve quality of life and conquer Sickle cell disease.

Questions to Ask Your Child's Doctor

From the time your child begins receiving care through Seattle Children's and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, you can expect the health-care team to talk you through each step of the way.

What to Expect

Receiving a diagnosis for Sickle cell disease leads to many questions. Seattle Children's and SCCA physicians and staff provide compassionate care and support during your course of treatment so you will always know what to expect.

Participate in a Study

As world-class treatment centers, Seattle Children's and SCCA provide patients with the best and most current therapies available. Clinical studies bring promising new treatments to patients faster. And participating in a study gives patients at least the best, current treatment, as well as the satisfaction that they are helping others with Sickle cell disease.

Patient Support

Because treatment for Sickle cell disease isn't easy, special support for patients is essential. Seattle Children's and SCCA have several programs, classes, and services to assist patients and their families.

Definitions

Common medical terms and their meanings.

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
825 Eastlake Ave. E, P.O. Box 19023, Seattle, WA 98109-1023
(206) 288-SCCA (7222), contactus@seattlecca.org