Hi, Mark
It sounds to me like you have an honest doctor. A diagnosis is not always black and white, even on the cytology level. My guess (and this is a guess, I am not a doctor) is that your tonsil did not do what he expected it to, and he is going on the side of better safe than sorry.
My thought is that you should discuss your situation with doctor carefully. Write down all your questions, and leave room for the answers. Next, it wouldn't hurt to seek a second opinion - especially if the terms 'tumor board', CCC or team DON'T come up in the conversation.
Having your tonsils out will slow you down for a bit (especially no heavy lifting awhile), and will make it painful to swallow, but they will give you medications to manage the pain.