Serum zinc levels in patients with basal-cell carcinoma.

Basal-cell carcinoma is a malignant epithelial neoplasm that arises from the germinative cells of the epidermis and its appendages. Various causative factors have been implicated in its pathogenesis. In recent years, it has become increasingly apparent that alterations in serum zinc concentration may relate to neoplastic diseases. The objective of this study was to determine whether or not a relationship exists between abnormal serum zinc levels and basal-cell carcinomas. The data indicate that a statistically significant elevation in mean serum zinc levels is associated with this neoplasm. This may, however, not be of clinical significance because of variation in environmental or statistical sampling factors.