The basic concept of the treatment of cancer of the oral cavity has not essentially changed in the past few decades. The final results depend mainly on the site and extent of the primary tumor and on the presence of metastases to the regional lymph nodes. In most cases the treatment still includes surgery in combination with radiotherapy, both of which must be coordinated. Complete treatment of the primary tumor and of the lymph node areas is of great importance even in non-advanced cases. Extensive resection of the tumor offers another mode of curative therapy, especially in combination with reconstructive surgery. Chemotherapy appears to be useful in this group of tumors, but only if aggressive cytoxic agents are given. However, it cannot replace the modalities of treatment mentioned above. Patients with speech and mastication disability after therapy usually need special care. Periodic controls are necessary for even longer than five years, to ensure detection of possible recurrences and second tumors.