Hematology is the medical specialty that focuses on the treatment of blood disorders and malignancies. It includes problems with the red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, blood vessels, bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen and the proteins involved in bleeding and clotting (hemostasis and thrombosis).

Leukemia, lymphoma, and sickle-cell anemia are just a few of the conditions that are treated by hematologists. Hematologist-oncologists are physicians who practice in the field of hematology and medical oncology. West Michigan Cancer Center has four physicians who are board certified in both hematology and medical oncology: Howard Cooper, DO; Glen Heggie, MD; Marcia Liepman, MD; and Kirk Payne, MD.

For more information, please visit the American Society of Hematology.