We reviewed 22 cases of non-squamous cell carcinoma (NSCC) of the oral cavity and oropharynx that were treated at the Kurume University Hospital between 1976 and 2005. Two percent of the oral carcinomas and 5% of the oropharyngeal carcinomas were NSCCs. The 5-year and 10-year survival rates of NSCC in the oropharynx were 90%. There was no statistically significant difference in survival rate between squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and NSCC (p=0.06). The 5-year and 10-year survival rates of NSCC in the oral cavity were 75% and 37%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the survival rate between SCC and NSCC. Survival results well correlated with clinical stages. A significant difference between Stage I, II and III versus Stage IV was found (p=0.04). In contrast, no significant relationship was found between survival and histologic type, or between survival and treatment. Patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma of Grade III, peri-neural invasion or vessel invasion, are recommended to receive adjuvant therapy.