ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics of trace elements and amino acid metabolism in the blood of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to guide clinical treatment. MethodsThis study included 125 untreated patients with primary HCC in Tangshan Maternal and Child Health Hospital and Tangshan Guzhi District Hospital from March to November, 2013, as well as 50 healthy controls who underwent physical examination in Tangshan Maternal and Child Health Hospital. Blood trace elements were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and the levels of amino acids were determined by an amino acid analyzer. Comparison of continuous data was made by t test. ResultsCompared with the controls, the HCC patients had a significantly higher Cu level (t=6.30, P＜0.05) and significantly lower Zn, Fe, and Mg levels (t=10.15, 3.98, and 2.25, all P＜0.05). The HCC patients showed significant increases in tyrosine, phenylalanine, and methionine levels (t=10.10, 13.46, and 2.34, all P＜0.05) and significant decreases in valine, isoleucine, leucine, and arginine levels (t=3.65, 2.98, 5.67, and 8.35, all P＜0.05). ConclusionHCC patients show changes in various amino acids and trace elements in blood. Measurement of trace elements and amino acids is of certain significance for evaluating HCC patients′ condition and guiding clinical treatment.