Patients (40) with recurrence following radical surgery for early invasive cancer of the cervix were studied. Of the recurrences, 50% were observed within the first 12 mo. after surgery and 83% within the 1st 2 yr. The site of recurrence influenced diagnosis, symptomatology, clinical findings, prognosis, cause of death and therapy. The prognosis for patients with recurrent cervical cancer was poor, with only 5 patients (13%) surviving free of disease after 5 yr. One patient is presently alive and without disease for more than 2 yr. Patients who did not receive a potentially curative course of radiation therapy at the time of diagnosis of the recurrence had a poor prognosis. None of the patients managed by exenterative procedures or chemotherapy survived. Guidelines are suggested for follow-up after primary radical hysterectomy and pelvic node dissection.