The presence of a mass lesion within the larynx can provoke numerous acute, chronic, progressive or even life-threatening symptoms. These symptoms may be minimal or dramatic and are a reflection of the tumour site and size. In assessing the patient with a potential laryngeal tumour, a thorough history should be taken with particular emphasis on the age of the patient, the temporal course of the symptom complex, the presence of infection, any previous surgery or trauma, and the presence or absence of respiratory, vocal or swallowing symptoms, all of which will give clues as to the nature and extent of any tumour. Certain tumours have a site-specific predilection, but in principle the supraglottis is the site most frequently involved (85%), followed by the glottis and the subglottis. Although the experienced laryngologist may be able to make an accurate clinical diagnosis by outpatient nasendoscopy, evidence suggests that the accuracy of diagnosis based on visual examination alone can be subject to some variation.