From 1969 through 1975, 145 patients were treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil and tongue-base region; 119 received initial treatment, and salvage operations were done in 26. The overall five-year survival rate was 42%. Cervical metastasis was the most important determinant of survival. Pathologic stage I or II disease was controlled by surgical treatment. In patients with stage III or IV disease, operation alone controlled the primary lesion better than radiation alone or combined preoperative radiation and surgical treatment. With operation alone, however the rate of neck recurrence was higher than with the other two methods of treatment. In advanced disease, surgical treatment combined with postoperative radiation should be considered. Mandibular osteotomy and excision of the primary lesion are as effective in local tumor control as composite resection. In patients with a tumor-free margin, osteotomy can be used to preserve the mandible.