Cleveland Clinic Hematologist Shares Approach to Delivering Multiple Myeloma Diagnosis

Dr. Sandra Mazzoni discusses how to communicate effectively and empathetically with patients facing a complex, chronic blood cancer

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:53pm

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In the debut episode of 'Beyond Diagnosis: Multiple Myeloma,' Cleveland Clinic hematologist Dr. Sandra Mazzoni and host John Mangels discuss the nuanced approach to delivering a multiple myeloma diagnosis. Dr. Mazzoni emphasizes the importance of assessing each patient's existing knowledge, emotional state, and support system before carefully introducing the diagnosis in a way that balances realism with reassurance.

Why it matters

Multiple myeloma is a complex, chronic blood cancer that requires ongoing care and treatment decisions. The initial diagnosis conversation sets the tone for the patient-provider relationship and can significantly impact the patient's ability to understand, cope with, and actively participate in their care.

The details

Dr. Mazzoni explains that her approach to the first diagnosis conversation varies based on each patient's prior knowledge and emotional state. Some patients already know they have multiple myeloma but may not understand the full implications, while others are hearing the news for the first time. She aims to establish trust, assess the patient's support system, and introduce the disease in a way that balances realism about the challenges ahead with optimism about treatment advances. Dr. Mazzoni also emphasizes the importance of providing access to additional resources, such as social workers and palliative care, to help patients and their families cope with the emotional impact of the diagnosis.

  • Dr. Mazzoni has evolved her approach to the initial diagnosis conversation over the course of her career, moving away from providing too much information too quickly to a more measured, patient-centered approach.

The players

Dr. Sandra Mazzoni

A hematologist at the Cleveland Clinic who specializes in treating patients with multiple myeloma.

John Mangels

The host of the 'Beyond Diagnosis' series, where he interviews doctors about communicating with patients.

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What they’re saying

“It's different with every patient, and so getting to know a little bit more about the patient before I just dive right into the details about the diagnosis prognosis. It can be very overwhelming if you don't take the time to kind of understand the patient, kind of the family dynamics, what information they already know.”

— Dr. Sandra Mazzoni, Hematologist, Cleveland Clinic

“Being able to develop a rapport and trust between the two of us is very important. I appreciate when patients come and they bring family members because they themselves know, 'I'm not going to retain a lot of this information.' That's just a fact. The first couple appointments, it's overwhelming no matter how you do it.”

— Dr. Sandra Mazzoni, Hematologist, Cleveland Clinic

What’s next

The 'Beyond Diagnosis: Multiple Myeloma' series will continue to explore other aspects of caring for patients with this complex, chronic blood cancer, including navigating treatment decisions, supporting patients through an evolving disease course, and building trust between providers and patients.

The takeaway

Delivering a multiple myeloma diagnosis requires a nuanced, patient-centered approach that assesses each individual's existing knowledge, emotional state, and support system. By establishing trust and introducing the disease in a way that balances realism and reassurance, healthcare providers can help patients and their families better understand, cope with, and actively participate in their care.