DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically documented malignant melanoma in node(s) meeting one or more of the following criteria: 1 or more lymph nodes found to contain metastatic melanoma with gross evidence of extracapsular nodal extension Nodal recurrence at the site of previous lymphadenectomy All gross cancer removed with negative margins Prior node biopsy allowed if complete nodal dissection performed Parotid involvement outside a node allowed No distant metastases