OUTLINE: This is a multicenter study. Patients are stratified according to T category (T1-3 vs T4), nodal status (N0-1 vs N2 vs N3), radiotherapy delivery modality (intensity-modulated [IMRT] vs 3-D conformal [3D CRT]), anatomic location (hypopharynx vs oral cavity vs oropharynx vs larynx), and participation in the optional swallowing impairment substudy (yes vs no). Patients are randomized to 1 of 2 treatment arms.