The authors provide a guideline for the anatomical dissection of specimens from oral and sinonasal cavities, pharynx and larynx. This is achieved through illustrations and colour photographs that combine drawings of tumours at various anatomical subsites together with the respective operations, the specimens thus obtained and the way to dissect these specimens. The dissection of surgical specimens from the upper aerodigestive tract is often difficult due to the anatomically complicated nature of this area. Local environment dictates routes of tumour spread and surgical margins at risk and those differ for various subsites within this part of the body. Moreover, adequate investigation of surgical specimens of the upper aerodigestive tract requires knowledge of the various types of surgical procedures. This should provide data that enable the surgeon to correlate preoperatively performed diagnostic imaging with the macroscopical findings postoperatively obtained.