Identification of prognostic factors related to supracricoid partial laryngectomy may optimise indications for this surgical technique. We analysed several clinical and histopathological variables in a series of 81 patients treated with SPL at our department. Attention was focused on neoplastic spread of the anterior commissure, thyroid cartilage and prelaryngeal soft tissue of the neck. Statistical analysis (Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression test) showed a significant decrease in survival for prelaryngeal soft tissue invasion. Due to the fact that the survival rate is not modified by the anterior commissure and thyroid cartilage infiltration, the prognostic value of prelaryngeal invasion is extremely relevant. Therefore, we suggest the oncological value of SPL even in cases of invasion of the anterior commissure or thyroid cartilage, but not beyond the outer perichondrium.