OBJECTIVES: I. Compare the progression free survival of patients with locally advanced, inoperable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck treated with cisplatin plus fluorouracil with or without docetaxel as a neoadjuvant to radiotherapy. II. Compare the response rate, response duration, toxicity, local symptoms, and time to disease progression of these treatment regimens in this patient population. III. Evaluate the quality of life in these patients.