Approximately 36,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer in 2010. In more than 90% of the cases of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers, histopathologic examination reveals squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA). Despite appropriate initial treatment, oral SCCA recurs in 25% to 48% of cases. Several studies have shown that most cancers recur within about 2 years after the initial treatment. Hence, close follow-up of patients is important for the timely detection of recurrences.This article discusses the types of recurrence and the surveillance and treatment of recurrent oral SCCA.