Ovarian and endometrial cancer tissues were examined for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) and the results were compared with the findings in normal tissues by polymerase chain reaction. Putative DNA of HPV types 16 and 18 that target DNA sequences from paraffin-embedded tissues were amplified with paired oligonucleotide primers that encode the E6 gene of HPV. The amplified DNA sequences were then detected with Southern blot hybridization analysis. The HPV DNA sequences were detected in both benign (50% ovarian, 70% endometrial) and malignant ovarian (27.2%) and endometrial (37.5%) tissue samples. Interestingly, eight hepatoma samples were also analyzed as tissue controls. The results were negative in seven, but positive in one with repeated tests. The results suggest that the spread of HPV in the upper genital tract may not be uncommon. The explanation of a positive liver tissue study result will have to await further study.