The use of tissue autofluorescence for the detection and localization of cancer of the larynx is described. In this pilot study, eight patients with probable carcinoma of the vocal folds underwent laryngoscopy in which the tissue autofluorescence spectra of normal and pathologically confirmed tumour tissue were acquired in vivo. Fluorescence images of the suspect areas were also acquired using the LIFE system (Xillix Technologies Corp.). The results suggest that the autofluorescence properties of laryngeal tissue, under 442 nm illumination, are similar to those of bronchial tissue and that the LIFE system has the potential to increase the accuracy of staging of cancer of the larynx and also to allow earlier diagnosis of tumours and their recurrence.