The treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth and oropharynx continues to change. In this primary report, we compared the results obtained by combined surgery and radiation therapy, or either modality alone. Other methods such as brachytherapy, or hyperfractionated radiotherapy, were not included in our protocols. A statistical analysis of the 3- and 5-year survival rates in relation to location and size of the primary tumour, stage at initial presentation, treatment modality and recurrence, was carried out in 88 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity or oropharynx. The overall survival rate was 73.8% at 3 years and 66.3% at 5 years. Size of tumour and stage at presentation were significant when P value was adjusted by site. Survival was significantly associated with type of treatment (combined approach obtained superior results), location of primary tumour, and recurrence. The type of neck dissection did not show any effect. Therapeutic modality used, stage, and location of primary tumour significantly influenced survival. A more selective combined initial treatment according to site and stage (distribution) is recommended.