The autors compare the interpretation of radiotomographic films and the results of pathological examination of total laryngectomy specimens in 60 cases without contrast and in 15 cases with contrast. They study the value of the interpretation of X-ray films according to the site in terms of height, size, shape, the extent of the carcinoma and possible involvement of the pre-epiglottic space, the thyroid cartilage and the base of the tongue. With the aim of determining the true value of radiotomographic examination in carcinoma of the larynx, comparative tables were drawn up between the radiological interpretation and findings on macroscopic examination of total laryngectomy operative specimens. Radiological examination included standard lateral films, AP tomograms and, more recently, contrast laryngography.