Trace-Metal Analysis of Cancerous and Non-cancerous Human Tissues

Summary

To ascertain whether any significant differences in the concentration of trace metals exist between cancerous and noncancerous human tissues, 22 trace metals and 2 bulk metals were examined by means of emission spectrography. Both cancerous and corresponding noncancerous tissue samples were taken from the same individual, and the clinical and histopathologic information was obtained. The following types of cancers were studied: ductal and scirrhous carcinoma of the breast, bronchogenic carcinoma of the lung, and adenocarcinoma of the colon. The results showed that the copper, magnesium, manganese, and zinc content of cancerous breast tissue was significantly higher than that of the noncancerous tissue. In bronchogenic carcinoma of the lung, the iron content of the cancerous tissue was significantly lower and the zinc content significantly higher than contents in the noncancerous bronchial tissue. In adenocarcinoma of the colon, the concentration of tin was considerably lower in cancerous than in noncancerous tissue. Significant differences in the concentration of selective metals were noticeable between cancerous tissues. It was also apparent that these differences pertain to a specific type of cancer. This specificity indicates that all types of cancers cannot be grouped under one category; for interpretation, each type should be regarded as a separate entity.