Welcome, Susan. Caregivers Rock! Most people on here have had node involvement and I don't think it neccessarily means anything more than that, though of course, it could. Mine spread to the nodes on the right side and it was dealt with by radiation and chemo without surgery. Others have had both and some surgery without radiation or chemo. In other words, there is a wide range of variety. ENTs are on the front lines of this fight so it sounds like you may have a newbie there if he's not used to dealing with this. You may want to check out a comprehensive cancer care center where they are devoted to nothing but. You will no doubt hear that numerous times. Meanwhile, gear up cause this means war and info is your best weapon. This site is loaded with info.