A significance of genetic factor in etiology of laryngeal cancer emerges when analysing a variable individual susceptibility to carcinogens. Genes coding enzymes taking part in carcinogenesis, divided on oncogenes, tumour suppressor genes and genes responsible for carcinogen metabolism are reviewed. The latter group is discussed in relation to their genetically determined polymorphic character responsible for an individually variable response to carcinogens present in tobacco smoke. A role of particular reviewed genes is discussed further in connection with a pattern of DNA lesions and chromosome aberrations.