Sickle Cell Disease
Why choose us for sickle cell disease care?
Sickle cell disease is an inherited red blood cell disorder that disrupts the flow of oxygen to tissue and organs. Experts at Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, deliver comprehensive care that helps provide a good quality of life for adults and children.
Our team includes fellowship-trained pediatric and adult blood disorder experts (hematologists) who deliver trusted therapies. We use leading care practices, including newly approved medications, to prevent and treat complications.
Sickle cell disease is one of the many blood disorders we treat. Read more about our blood disorder program.
What you need to know about sickle cell disease
- Your red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen throughout the body. With sickle cell disease, genetic changes make the sickle hemoglobin molecules fragile. Red blood cells with sickle hemoglobin take on the curved shape of a sickle rather than staying round and flexible.
- Sickle-shaped cells break apart easily and may block the normal flow of blood through vessels. When sickled red blood cells cause a sudden blockage (vaso-occlusion), blood can’t flow normally.
- When blood does not flow, you may experience complications, including sudden pain attacks (crises) and serious breathing problems. These problems sometimes require immediate care in the hospital.
- You can receive inpatient services at University Hospital and clinic-based (outpatient) services at Mays Cancer Center. Coming to the cancer center and seeing a hematologist oncologist does not mean that you have cancer.