Assessment of Some Trace Metals in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case-Control Study

Micronutrients and trace elements have been linked to the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the role of these elements in the etiology of HNSCC remains unclear.

This study was conducted to investigate the association between micronutrient and trace element levels and the risk of HNSCC.

In this case-control study, serum concentrations of iron, selenium, zinc, copper, and calcium were measured in 40 patients with HNSCC and compared to those of 37 healthy subjects. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney test, Chi-square test, and independent t-test.

The mean ages of the case and control groups were 62.80±13.029 and 57.92± 9.367, respectively, with 45% of HNSCC patients and 59.5% of control subjects being male (p= 0.205). Serum concentrations of calcium and copper were higher, and those of selenium, zinc, and iron lower in the case group than in the control group. Adjusted logistic regression showed only copper, calcium, and iron concentrations to be significantly different between the two groups (p= 0.003, p= 0.018, and p= 0.047, respectively).

The case group had lower levels of iron, zinc, and selenium, and higher levels of calcium and copper than the control group. Evaluating serum concentrations of these trace metals could be useful for further screening of individuals at high risk.