This paper reviews some aspects of the application of immunohistochemistry in gynaecological pathology. The use of cytokeratins 7 and 20 are discussed with reference to applications in ovarian pathology, including metastatic disease to the ovaries. Developments in utilising MIB-1 and p16 in cervical squamous and glandular lesions are discussed. Recent assertions regarding the differential diagnosis between endocervical and endometrial carcinomas are also reviewed. Antibodies that may be of use in the diagnosis of uterine mesenchymal and ovarian tumours are highlighted, as are antibodies of use in trophoblastic lesions including the use of p57 in evaluating hydatidiform moles.