Introduction:
The most frequent risk factors of malignant neoplasms in upper respiratory tract (MNURT) contain tobacco smoking, excessive consumption of spirits with high percentage of alcohol, vitamin A deficiency, genetic predisposition, as well as exposure to cancerogenic compounds present in the environment. The aim of the study was to analyze life style and quality of life factors, and their influence upon the incidence of MNURT within the micro-region of Mysłowice.

Materials and methods:
The paper presents a retrospective analysis of MNURT incidence in the towns of Mysłowice, Imielin, and Chełm Śląski, on the basis of materials concerning patients treated in the Laryngologic Ward of the Mysłowice hospital, in the years 1995-2004. On the basis of patients’ data, the authors carried out an analysis of MNURT incidence in correlation with risk factors, related to the work in which patients were engaged, the number of cigarettes smoked as function of time, consumption of strong alcohols, social and living conditions, place of employment, current place of residence, as well as education.

Results:
Cigarette smoking and/or consumption of strong alcohols are the main risk factors in MNURT. The level of education as well as socio-economic status are also significant risk factors in MNURT incidence.

Conclusions:
The firm conclusion of the paper is that the increased number of cases of MNURT in the micro-region of Mysłowice, Imielin, and Chełm Śląski may be due to the living conditions, higher level of consumption of strong alcohols, excessive cigarette smoking, as well as low socio-economic status of patients examined.