Serum copper and zinc levels in premalignant and malignant lesions of the oral cavity.

Serum levels of copper and zinc were analysed in 50 patients with oral cancer, 50 patients with oral leucoplakia, and 50 patients with oral submucous fibrosis, and the values were compared with those of 50 normal healthy adult controls. There was a significant reduction in the serum copper and zinc levels in both oral submucous fibrosis and oral cancer. The copper/zinc ratio was found to be elevated in oral submucous fibrosis and depressed in oral cancer. The ratio may serve as a good indicator for the early detection of oral cancer.