OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the complete histologic response rate (which represents the rate of organ preservation) to induction with cisplatin/fluorouracil followed by radiotherapy plus cisplatin in patients with selected stage III/IV cancer of the hypopharynx or base of the tongue. II. Evaluate the feasibility of accruing and treating patients with this regimen in a multi-institutional setting. III. Determine the overall complete response rate in these patients.