Determination of Calcium and Iron in Prostate and Bladder Tumors by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer

Abstract

Background and objective: Serum calcium and iron were used as a biochemical markers for investigation of the neoplastic diseases ,since there is a growing concern about the possible links between these minerals and tumors of various organs and tissues ,the objectives of this study were to determine the changes in the serum levels of Ca & Fe ions in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and bladder cancer and to identify the role of these markers in diagnosis and prognosis of these patients .METHODS: This study was done in Baghdad at Al-Kadhemia Teaching Hospital between 10/9/2002 and 1/9/2003 .Serum samples were obtained for measurement of calcium and iron.,which were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer .RESULT Hypercalcemia affects up to 30% of patients with bladder and prostate cancers. In addition there were a decrease in the iron serum level as a result of tumor growth .CONCLUSIONS: Hypercalcemia, is one of the most common metabolic disorders accompanying neoplasia.The cancers most often associated with hypercalcemia, in addition there were a reduction in serum level of iron this biochemical marker may be associated with the pathogenesis of cancer.