DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven stage IB or IIA cervical cancer Squamous cell carcinoma Adenosquamous cell carcinoma Adenocarcinoma Pelvic and/or common iliac or para-aortic lymph node involvement Undergone a radical hysterectomy, complete pelvic lymphadenectomy, and resection of any enlarged common iliac or para-aortic lymph nodes No clear cell carcinoma or small cell carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation Resectable disease