OBJECTIVES: I. Compare disease free survival, overall survival, and local control in patients with bulky stage IB carcinoma of the cervix treated with radical hysterectomy and pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy with or without neoadjuvant vincristine and cisplatin. II. Compare adverse effects of radical hysterectomy and pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy with or without neoadjuvant vincristine and cisplatin in these patients.