Boston, I'm in Boston too. Mass General under the care of Dr. Paul Busse. 35 years in head and neck rad oncology. Also, I had my surgery at Tufts by a Dr. Richard Wein. In my opinion Wein is the best neck surgeon on the planet. You can't even see where he took an egg size lymph node from my neck. I think it was over 25 stitches (all on the inside). Not 1 stitch showing. I don't know how he did it but he is "the man". Very well known. Gives lectures and symposes. In fact he is having one at the end of this month or the 1st week in May Cancer survivors go free.
Just so you know I have been told that a PET scan can only pick up cancer about the size of a thumb nail (about a billion cells) (my tonsils only lit up because I had had tonsilitis a dozen times. Both lit right up but the tumor was left side 1ml. About the size of a broken pencil point tip) It took the lab 2 passes in pathology just to find it in that one tonsil. So... you'll want a biopsy, and as soon as you can. He's probably fine but get it checked for your and his peace of mind. Go see Wien. Use Will Zinn as a patient referal. Dad will love this guy. Also ask about the upcomming speach/talk/gathering. I can also get you the details. Please keep us posted. Will