In the ENT Dept K. Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences in Poznań between 1984-1998 2145 laryngectomies were performed (710 partial and 1435 total). 192 samples of macroscopically changed tissues were collected from prelaryngeal area during operations. On the basis of histological examination there were 24 cases of lymph nodes with neoplastic metastases and 132 cases lymph nodes without changes or with inflammatory changes. Relapse of tumor during two years after the operations was found in 15/24 (62.4%) in the group with positive Delphian lymph node. In the group with lymph node without changes, relapse of tumor was found in 23/132 (17.4%) patients. In the group with positive Delphian node in 8 cases, metastases were found also in lateral lymph nodes of the neck. In 75% cases (6/8) relapse of tumor was observed. The frequency of relapse was statistically higher in patients with a positive Delphian node. The presence of metastases in prelaryngeal lymph node is a significant unfavourable prognostic factor.