Tumours of the head and neck show a wide spectrum of natural behaviour ranging from the most benign to the extremely lethal. Investigative techniques are of limited usefulness. History and physical examination are the foundations for diagnosis, though ultimate proof rests on surgical biopsy. The author of this article discusses the more common head and neck neoplasms. He gives brief descriptions of some tumours, highlighting their specific characteristics and their natural behaviour. He also suggests methods of investigation and gives brief overviews of modes of therapy. He discusses advances in management of head and neck neoplasms within the past decade and describes the technique of fine-needle cytologic aspirate.