AIM: The aim of this paper is to justify the treatment strategy of maxillary alveolus and hard palate to either active surveillance or END based on incidence of cervical metastasis at this site. MATERIALS & METHODS : A retrospective study consisting of 54 cases of squamous cell carcinoma of maxillary alveolus and hard palate conducted in Oral Oncology department of Kidwai Memorial Insitute of Oncology, Bengaluru, Karnataka. RESULTS : The incidence of cervical metastasis in our study was 37% and occult metastasis was 24% , comparable to those of other oral sites. The incidence of cervical metastasis in advanced stage tumours T3 & T4 was 31% compared to early stage tumours T1 & T2 was 6%. CONCLUSION: Elective neck dissection been indicated in advanced stage tumours of squamous cell carcinoma of maxillary alveolus and hard palate owing to its high incidence of cervical and occult metastasis and which was comparable to those of other oral sites.