Introduction and objective: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes responsible for the decomposition of extracellular matrix elements. They play an important role during embryogenesis, wound healing, endometrial epithelial exfoliation, the formation of new blood vessels, and also during cancer development. Throat and larynx tumours are included in a large group of head and neck cancers. These tumours are characterized by a poor prognosis. Despite advances in medical science, cancer treatment is difficult and often ineffective. The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of MMP-3 and MMP-9 in the serum and saliva of patients with pharynx and larynx tumours. Material and methods: Samples of saliva and serum were collected from 60 patients with larynx or throat cancer. Twenty patients without cancer comprised the control group. MMPs in saliva and serum were determined by the ELISA method. Results: In the study group, concentrations of MMP-3 in saliva were from 0.2 – 77.6 ng/ml. Patients with malignant tumours had higher saliva MMP-3 levels than healthy subjects. The concentration of MMP-3 in the serum of the study group ranged from 10.9 – 200.00 ng/ml, which was also higher than in the control group. There were no statistically significant difference in the MMP-9 level between the study and control groups (both in serum and saliva). Conclusions: This study is another element that shows the phenomena taking place at the cellular level during oncological disease. In serum and saliva samples, higher values of MMP3 were found in patients with cancer. The increase in the concentration of this enzyme in the risk group may be used for early detection of tumour transformation and evaluation of treatment.