Sickle cell anaemia

Sickle cell anaemia is the most common and serious form of sickle cell disease. Read more about sickle cell anaemia and how it is treated.

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Red blood cells

Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body and transport carbon dioxide to your lungs. Learn more about how your red blood cells work.

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The role of a haematologist

A haematologist is a specialist doctor who treats people with conditions that affect the blood, such as leukaemia, blood clots or haemophilia.

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Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) blood test

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a blood test that can check for inflammation in your body. Find out more about ESR blood tests here.

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Thalassaemia

This inherited blood disorder prevents someone from making enough haemoglobin to carry oxygen around the body. Find out more about the types and symptoms of thalassaemia.

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Prolonged erection

Prolonged erection (priapism) occurs when blood is trapped in the penis, causing pain. Learn the causes, treatment and how to prevent complications.

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Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. Read about symptoms, causes and treatment of osteomyelitis, and how you can prevent permanent bone damage.

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Blood in urine (haematuria)

There are many causes of blood in urine (wee), also called haematuria. Read about the causes, tests and when to see your doctor about blood in urine.

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Fifth disease (slapped cheek disease)

Fifth disease or 'slapped cheek disease' is a mild viral illness marked by a red rash that makes children's cheeks look like they've been slapped.

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Stem cells

Stem cells have the potential to develop into specialised cells. They are being researched to treat medical conditions, but are controversial.

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White blood cells

White blood cells are part of your immune system. They help detect and deal with infections. Learn about health problems involving white blood cells.

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Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common skin cancer. It can spread if not treated, so you should see a doctor if you have symptoms.

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Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. Most BCCs are curable and cause minimal damage when caught and treated early.

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Leukaemia

Leukaemia is a cancer that affects the formation of white blood cells. Learn about the different types, as well as symptoms and treatment options.

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Full blood count (FBC)

A full blood count is a common blood test for general health, which can also provide information about a range of conditions.

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Multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma develops when plasma cells build up abnormally in your bone marrow. Currently there's no cure but treatment is available.

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Autoimmune conditions

Autoimmune diseases strike when the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body. Read about the causes, symptoms and treatment options.

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Blood and blood vessels

Blood flows through blood vessels to carry oxygen, nutrients and waste around the body. Find out about different types of vessels and role of blood.

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Cancer immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that boosts the immune system so it can fight the cancer. Learn how it works and which cancer types immunotherapy can treat.

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Folate blood test

Folate is an important nutrient for making red blood cells. The folate blood test checks whether you have enough folate in your blood.

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Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that develops in white blood cells. Learn more about its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment in children.

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Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1)

Human T-cell leukaemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) can infect your blood. Learn more about how it spreads and the diseases it causes.

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Immune system

Your body's immune system is designed to protect you from, or get rid of, infection. Learn more about how the immune system works.

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Iron studies blood test

Iron studies are blood tests that look at how much iron is in your blood and other cells. Too little or too much iron can cause health problems.

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Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is medicine that aims to stop or slow down the growth of cancer cells. Find out how 'chemo' treatment works and its side effects.

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Kidney cancer

Kidney cancer (or renal cancer) grows in the cells of the kidneys. Treatments for kidney cancer are improving, especially if it is detected early.

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Anaemia

Anaemia is a lack of red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs around the body. It's important to treat the cause of the anaemia.

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Pancreas

The pancreas is a vital organ that helps the body digest food and control blood sugar levels. Read about its role and how to keep it healthy.

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Hormonal system

The endocrine (hormonal) system influences your metabolism, growth and other functions. Learn more about what it is and related conditions.

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Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cervix (neck of the uterus). Learn how screening can detect precancerous lesions.

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