What symptom might suggest that a patient suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia requires further evaluation for prostate cancer?

The presence of blood in urine, also known as hematuria, is a significant symptom that warrants further investigation for prostate cancer in a patient with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Hematuria can indicate underlying malignancy, and it raises a red flag that should prompt healthcare providers to conduct further evaluations, such as imaging studies or a prostate biopsy.

In contrast, increased frequency of urination, painful urination, and nocturia are common symptoms associated with BPH itself and typically reflect the benign nature of this condition. While these symptoms can be bothersome and indicate an enlarged prostate, they are not specifically suggestive of prostate cancer. Hematuria, however, distinctly diverges from these symptoms, indicating the need for a more thorough assessment to rule out cancer or other serious conditions.