ABSTRACT
The aim of this study is to investigate the role of Cu: Zn ratio in the differential diagnosis between patients with hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] and cirrhotic patients. This study was carried out on 50 patients classified into four groups; Group I: 10 healthy people, Group II: 15 cirrhotic patients, Group III: 15 cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and Group IV: 10 patients with metastasis. Liver functions, kidney functions, Na, K, Cu, Zn, fibrinogen, alpha fetoprotein and complet blood picture were estimated. Cu: Zn ratio was increased significantly in HCC group compared to other groups. The increase in Cu: Zn ratio may be useful in differential diagnosis between HCC and cirrhotic patients, it also useful for follow up because it is a simple and inexpensive method