In order to evaluate the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and p53 protein expression in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), the in situ hybridization and the labelled streptavidin biotin (LSAB) immunohistochemical method were used to detect the presence of HPV genomes 6B, 11, 16, 18 and expression of p53 protein respectively in 44 specimens of LSCC. And 16 specimens of laryngeal polyp were selected as controls. RESULTS: 1. HPV genomes 16/18 were detected in 19 (43.2%) of 44 LSCCs and in 2 (12.5%) of 16 laryngeal polyps (P < 0.05). 2.25 (56.9%) of 44 specimens of LSCC were p53 protein positive whereas the laryngeal polyps were all p53 negative. 3. 12 (63.2%) of 19 HPV 16/18 DNA-positive specimens of LSCC showed p53 protein expression and 12 (48%) of 25 p53 protein positive specimens of LSCC showed HPV 16/18 infection. CONCLUSION: Expression of p53 protein and infection of HPV 16, 18 may play a role in carcinogenesis of LSCC, respectively or simultaneously.