Plasma zinc legels in prostatic disease

Plasma zinc concentrations rise in men over the age of 55 years and fall in women of a similar age-group. They are higher in men with clinically diagnosed benign prostatic hyperplasia, but the level does not appear to be related to the size of the gland. Plasma zinc concentrations are not helpful in the diagnosis or management of carcinoma of the prostate, but may prove useful in excluding this diagnosis.