A series of 100 young adults with carcinoma of upper respiratory and digestive tracts; and examined successively, is reviewed. As in older adults, the oropharynx was the most frequent localization with, in contrast, fewer endolaryngeal tumors and more rhinopharyngeal cancers. Progression appeared to be more rapid in young adults and alcohol and smoking a more important factor than in the older age group. Overall prognosis in the older age group. Overall prognosis seemed somewhat better for these younger patients. Epidemiologic surveys would appear to be essential.