Serum levels of folic acid and vitamin B12 in basal cell carcinoma patients: a case-control study

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of malignancy in white populations. It has been hypothesized that dietary factors may play a role in BCC development. In this study, serum levels of folic acid and vitamin B12 were evaluated in patients with BCC to investigate the potential role of these vitamins in BCC development. Forty-five BCC patients and 45 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Patients with a history of radiotherapy in the affected area were excluded. All participants completed a questionnaire including demographic characteristics, and blood samples were taken to evaluate serum levels of folic acid and vitamin B12. There were no significant differences in serum levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid between healthy controls and BCC patients. Serum levels of vitamin B12 were significantly higher in female patients than male patients. It seems that BCC is not related to serum levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid; however, this issue should be studied with larger sample sizes.