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An accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective care for sickle cell disease. At Fred Hutch Cancer Center, your hematologist will evaluate your health, review your medical history and discuss how sickle cell disease can affect daily life.
Because sickle cell disease can change over time, your needs can, too. Because of this, regular screening and ongoing evaluation are important parts of your care.
Take Charge of Your Health
Talk to your primary care provider if you have symptoms that you think may be sickle cell disease. UW Medicine Primary Care can help you get started. Learn about Fred Hutch's relationship with UW Medicine.
Your Diagnostic Evaluation
Your first visit is an opportunity for you and your hematologist to get to know one another. Your physician will talk with you about your health, your current treatment and how sickle cell disease affects your body and your daily life.
A physical examination is part of your evaluation. If additional information is needed, your physician may order blood tests or other diagnostic tests to better understand your current health.
Your physician will also review:
- Your medical history
- Your current symptoms
- Previous treatments and how well they have worked
- Any questions or concerns you have about your care
Because you know your body best, your care team encourages you to share what has worked well for you and what has not.
Screening for Complications
Sickle cell disease can affect many organs throughout the body. Regular screening helps your care team identify changes in your health and manage complications as early as possible.
Depending on your health history and individual needs, your physician may recommend screening tests such as:
- Eye examinations
- Heart evaluations, including echocardiography
- Kidney function testing
- Lung function testing
- Sleep studies
- Blood tests to monitor iron levels
- MRI to evaluate iron overload, when appropriate
Your care team will recommend the screenings that are appropriate for your situation and explain how the results may affect your care.
Ongoing Monitoring
Your health and treatment needs may change over time. Regular follow-up visits help your care team evaluate how you are doing and determine whether changes to your treatment plan are needed.
During these visits, your physician will monitor your response to treatment, watch for signs of complications and discuss any new symptoms or concerns.
Why Choose Fred Hutch for Sickle Cell Disease Care
No two people experience sickle cell disease the same way. Your physicians at Fred Hutch use information from your evaluation, screening and ongoing monitoring to develop a treatment plan that reflects your individual needs, overall health and personal goals.
As your needs change, your care team will continue to adjust your care to help you stay as healthy and active as possible.