Copper contents (Cu) in bodies and serum ceruloplasmin (Cp) were assayed in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocarcinoma (HCC) with atomic absorption and other methods. The results were shown as follows: 1. The mean levels of serum Cp and urine Cu in LC were higher than those of normal (P < 0.05 and 0.01). 2. Serum Cu and Cp levels were consistently high in HCC. Urine Cu level was also elevated and had positive correlation with that of serum Cu (r = 0.567, P < 0.01). 3. Cirrhotic liver Cu content was almost the same as that of pericarcinomatous liver Cu, being higher than that of normal and carcinomatous liver. 4. Hair Cu level in both LC and HCC was apparently lower than that of normal subjects. 5. Serum Cu level in patients with tumor more than 5 cm in size was higher than that in patients with tumor less than 5 cm (P < 0.05). 6. Serum Cu level decreased along with the reduction of tumor size after treatment. 7. Serum Cu and Cp levels may be used as markers for detection of HCC, especially for AFP-negative HCC. Serum Cu estimation is valuable in assessment of the therapeutic effect and prognosis in patients with HCC.