Gina, sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis, and having to join, but welcome. The first few weeks is like a hurrucance coming at you, but it will slow down. When you see an ENT, usually more tests will be ordered...a PET, CT or MRI, and an endoscopy under general anesthesia, along with usual pre-surgery work up, and biopsies taken of any suspicions, so the type, extent of the cancer, if there is any other involvement, can be determined, and tumor graded, staged, and if HPV is related or not. Based on the findings, it will be decided what treatments will be appropriate, but the lesion sounds fairly large being the size of a nickel, but the depth is just as important. Sometimes surgery is done first. You may be referred to see an MO and RO, at some point, Medical and Radiation Oncologist, if they will be involved with your treatment, as well as others, if needed, and maybe another ENT if beyond the scope or expertise of the doctor. Basically, you will need a multidisplinary team of professionals to treat this disease, and is why ChristineB recommended the NCI's list of Comprehensive Cancer Centers, in addition too, having another person present with you to write down what is said since most will be forgotten in the heat of the moment.

You can always get a 2nd opinion, and suggest you do, and to start keeping your own file with copies of any and all reports for your surgeries, biopsies, payhology, blood tests, including the CD's, x-rays for future reference. I heard of Kaiser, and may want to see if any of your doctors are US News Report's Best Doctor's list, if you are unable to go to Stanford.

The other things often not considered, and may not be necessary, but how you will sustain your future finances, medical, and employment, if you are unable to work or need extended time off? You may want to see what your employments benefits are, and any city, state and federal benefits available, before needing them. The social worker at the hospital can assist with this if needed.

Good luck with everything.