DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Histologically confirmed newly diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck , including any of the following sites:
  • Oral cavity
  • Oropharynx, including base of tongue and tonsils
  • Larynx
  • Supraglottis
• Stage T2-T4, N0-N3 disease
  • Unilateral or bilateral neck dissection planned
    • No N2c disease (if bilateral disease is present)
  • Has ≥ 1 clinically N0 neck side as defined by clinical exam (physical exam with CT scan and/or MRI)
    • A N0 neck must be planned to be dissected for the patient to be eligible
    • . The N0 neck can be either ipsilateral to the head and neck tumor or the contralateral N0 neck if a bilateral neck dissection is planned
• CT scan and/or MRI taken within the past 4 weeks to confirm SCC of the head and neck
  • Simultaneous diagnostic CT with PET scan allowed; however, PET cannot be used as part of the criteria to define the N0 neck disease
  • For CT scan and/or MR images from other institutions, ACRIN recommends a re-read by a local neuro-radiologist to ensure compliance
• No sinonasal cancer, salivary gland cancer, thyroid cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, or advanced skin cancer

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

• Not pregnant or nursing
• Negative pregnancy test
• Weight ≤ 350 lbs
• No poorly controlled diabetes (defined as fasting glucose level > 200 mg/dL) despite attempts to improve glucose control by fasting duration and adjustment of medications (optimally, patients will have glucose < 150 mg/dL)
• No underlying medical condition that would preclude surgery (neck dissection)

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

• See Disease Characteristics