We have assayed both estrogen and androgen receptors in hepatocellular carcinomas, in the surrounding noncancerous liver tissue, and in normal liver tissue. Estrogen receptors (ERs) were detected in 5 out of 22 HCC tissues, 14 out of 22 surrounding noncancerous tissues, and in 5 out of 6 normal liver tissues. Androgen receptors (Ars) were detected in 4 out of 21 HCC tissues, in 7 out of 21 surrounding noncancerous tissues, and in 2 out of 5 normal liver tissues. These results suggest that the pathogenesis of some HCC may be dependent on estrogen or androgen. Hence, it may be beneficial to provide hormonal therapy for HCC, especially in cases that show high concentrations of ER and/or AR.