Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Metastases to the Lymph Nodes in the Neck From an Unknown Primary Tumor

RATIONALE: Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to damage tumor cells. Giving radiation therapy in different ways may kill more tumor cells. It is not yet known which regimen of radiation therapy is more effective in treating patients who have metastases to the lymph nodes in the neck. PURPOSE: Randomized phase III trial to compare different radiation therapy regimens in treating patients who have metastases to the lymph nodes in the neck from an unknown primary tumor.