DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, including: Stage III or IV: oral cavity, paranasal sinus, hypopharynx, oropharynx, larynx, and nasopharynx OR Unknown primary carcinoma of the head and neck with greater than N1 disease if no planned neck dissection Evaluable disease No metastases below clavicle by clinical or radiographic diagnosis All hypopharynx and nasopharynx patients with N3 disease undergo a CT scan of the chest