Recent research, both clinical and basic, has focused intensively on specific areas within head and neck oncology. The impetus for such efforts is enhanced by reports documenting a growing incidence of the disease. Thus, areas such as genetic determinants of head and neck cancer progression become a more pressing issue. Furthermore, studies that include both cytogenetic and molecular analyses emphasize cancer heterogeneity. In the field of tumor biology, newly developed animal models also demonstrate the multiplicity of cancer properties. The capacity to define these characteristics within a patient's respective cancer would allow a more targeted approach to cancer therapy. Finally, research efforts have focused on the problem of second primary cancers. To prevent metachronous tumors would have broad implications in the elimination of environmentally induced diseases.