Recent publications show an increase in the frequency of laryngeal carcinoma in women. Previous studies of patients in our health district (1875-1994) showed a male/female ratio of 56/1. However, a retrospective study of all laryngeal carcinomas diagnosed in a recent year (June 1997-May 1998) showed an overall male/female ratio of 10/1. Women are older at time of diagnosis than men (mean 70.33 years). None of the women was a regular drinker and only one smoked. Glottic location and absence of metastatic lymph node enlargement predominated at time of diagnosis.