Radiation necrosis is one of the most serious complications in the treatment of malignancies of the head and neck. As radiotherapy becomes more frequently used as a primary modality and in combination with chemotherapy and surgery, the head and neck surgeon needs to be able to prevent and recognize the often subtle signs and symptoms of radiation necrosis. The symptoms of necrosis can mimic the recurrence of cancer, which presents a diagnostic dilemma, because aggressive surgical biopsy may worsen necrosis and contribute to the formation of a fistula. This review provides a brief discussion of the diagnostic and treatment options for osteoradionecrosis and chondroradionecrosis in the head and neck.