Objective To explore the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in different epidermal tumors and its significance. Method The expression of COX-2 was detected by immunohistochemical staining of skin specimens from 10 cases of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), 8 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 8 Bowen′s disease (BD), 12 seborrheic keratosis (SK) and 10 normal volunteers. Results Compared with normal epidermal cells, COX-2 expression was significantly increased in BCC, SCC and BD cells. Especially, COX-2 expression in SCC was the most intensive. COX-2 expression in SK cells was similar to that of normal epidermal cells. Conclusion The up-regulation of COX-2 expression may play a potential role in the pathogenesis of epidermal tumors.