My primary was a very small tumor on my tonsil which was completely unnoticed until it showed up in the lymph nodes in my neck. I would guess that if it hasn't spread to the lymph nodes, it would probably still be an early stage if it is cancer. Meanwhile, it's not cancer until a biopsy says it is.

David R. 65 yr old male non-smoker, light drinker, stage 3 or 4, depending on which doc you ask, scc rt. tonsil, 2 nodes, 7 weeks radiation and chemo. No surgery. Teatment ended 3/20/08. PET scan 8/08 showed no cancer.
And now, as of oct, 2010, caregiver to wife, Linda, with breast cancer.
May, 2013, Linda diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. Enuf already.