OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP-2) and 9 (MMP-9) and their tissue inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in low malignant potential (LMP) ovarian tumors and to compare these values with those recorded for benign and malignant ovarian neoplasms. METHODS: A total of 53 ovarian tumors (16 benign, 15 LMP and 22 malignant) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. RESULTS: MMP-2 expression was found in 56% of the benign, 40% of the LMP, and 90% of the malignant ovarian tumors (benign vs. malignant, p = 0.021; LMP vs. malignant, p = 0.002). The expression of MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 was lower in the benign and LMP tumors compared with the malignant ones. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that, in relation to the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, LMP ovarian tumors are more similar to benign than to malignant ovarian tumors.