[Copper content and the ceruloplasmin activity in the blood in melanoma of the skin].

In comparative studies on the copper content and ceruloplasmin activity in blood of 212 patients with malignant melanoma, cancer and benign skin neoplasms, hypercupremia and an increased activity of the enzyme was revealed in 80% of patients with melanoma. Serum copper uptake in patients with non-pigmented melanoma was manifest to a greater extent. Some redistribution mechanisms are likely to underlie hypercupremia, that is especially indicated by the migration of copper from blood erythrocytes. Hypercupremia in patients with melanoma may be of a certain clinical interest as an accessory criterion for the differential diagnosis between malignant melanomas and benign skin neoplasms.