Oral Mucositis in Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy for Cancer of the Mouth, Pharynx, or Larynx

RATIONALE: Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to damage tumor cells. Giving radiation therapy at different times of the day may affect the chance of developing side effects such as mucositis. PURPOSE: Randomized phase III trial to compare the incidence of mucositis in patients who have cancer of the mouth, pharynx, or larynx, who are receiving radiation therapy in either the morning or afternoon.