When dealing with urinary tract disorders, diagnostic timeliness is the decisive factor in treatment success. Bladder cancer represents one of the most common urological malignancies; yet, its initial warning signs are frequently overlooked or mistaken for minor ailments. To shed light on prevention, risk factors, and diagnosis, we spoke with Prof. Costantino Leonardo, a Urologist at the Arsbiomedica Clinic.

Bodily Signals and Diagnosis: An Interview with Prof. Costantino Leonardo

Prof. Leonardo, what warning signs does the body give us, and what tests are required to diagnose or prevent bladder cancer?

“In over 80% of cases, the primary warning signal is hematuria—the presence of visible blood in the urine. This is a critical and often painless symptom that should never be ignored. As for prevention, it is important to clarify that there are no standard primary screening tests specifically designated for this condition. However, in the presence of clinical suspicion or observed bleeding, an abdominal ultrasound—and, if necessary, a cystoscopy—allows for an early and highly accurate diagnosis.”

Risk Factors and Lifestyle: The Role of Cigarette Smoking

Is it true that smoking is one of the leading causes? What other risk factors exist?

“Absolutely. Cigarette smoking is indisputably one of the most prominent and impactful risk factors for developing bladder cancer. Additional factors include ongoing occupational exposure to certain industrial chemicals or dyes and, in specific geographical regions, chronic endemic urinary tract infections that can predispose the bladder mucosa to neoplastic transformation.”

From Anxiety to Action: The Importance of Expert Medical Support

Discovering blood in one’s urine understandably triggers anxiety. At such moments, patients need immediate answers, minimal wait times, and compassionate specialists who provide empathetic care alongside clear diagnostic pathways.

The Arsbiomedica Clinic Vision: Comprehensive, Person-Centered Care

At the Arsbiomedica Clinic in North Rome, these needs are met through our Health Project—an organizational model built around complete, patient-centered care. The urology team collaborates seamlessly with state-of-the-art diagnostic departments—equipped with 3 Tesla AI-powered MRI and multi-slice CT scanners—and advanced operating rooms optimized for minimally invasive, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery. Patients are guided along a streamlined, discreet, and multidisciplinary journey from their initial consultation through to full recovery.

Book a Specialist Urological Consultation in North Rome

If you have noticed blood in your urine or wish to undergo a preventive urological checkup, do not delay.