Malignant laryngeal tumors include a variety of oncotypes with differing biologic connotations, each calling for a different therapeutic approach and giving rise to a different prognosis. But the oncotype can only be accurately identified histologically by means of a technically adequate, representative biopsy specimen. Intrinsic malignancy varies with the structure of the neoplasm, so the choice of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or laser therapy depends largely on tumor type. Most malignant laryngeal neoplasms are squamous cell carcinomas, but the rare cases of nonsquamous tumor include a wide array of oncotypes of which the true incidence is difficult to assess. Diagnosis is based on light microscopy, but may be supported by histochemical, immunocytochemical, and ultrastructural investigations that improve the accuracy of categorization of the specific tumor type. A precise histologic diagnosis, based on representative biopsy material, will lead to a better understanding of the tumor's likely behavior, and consequently to more effective treatment.