Reported are four cases of a stage I tongue carcinoma which recurred in the cervical area after a radical neck dissection (RND). In all cases, the primary lesion was controlled with radium needle implants. Clinically, these tumors manifested endophytic growth and, histologically, had a high malignant grading. In most cases, a latent lymph metastasis appeared within 6 months after initial treatment and an early metastatic lesion developed beyond the capsule of the node. The site of cervical recurrences was located in non treated areas that were outside the range of the RND.