A tumor is usually part of at least one organ - in the area it exists... This would be it's originating location, and could possibly extend out from to include other areas. For example, it started on the BOT, and then grew to include (wrap around) voice box and into the neck area to include nodes. That would be my explanation as tumors generally originate from somewhere. Occasionally (rarely) a primary will resolve itself - Possible immune response, but most times there is a primary - which originate from one location. They can grow outward to include other areas (one large mass), and / or seed to other locations (one mass, with other smaller tumors elsewhere).

If it is one mass, it sounds very extensive. Is it better? Cancer is bad - regardless - the thing that might make it have a better outcome would be if it was HPV positive. Because that generally responds better to rads and chemo, but if it is that extensive they may want to operate to debulk it first (or do rads and chemo then remove any remaining). If it is HPV negative then they may want to try and remove as much as possible first and then follow up with rads and chemo. (basically the same treatment for both) smaller BOT tumors with nodal involvement are often left and not operated on just radiated and treated with chemo.

Survival of cancer depends on many factors; treatment plan, where you're being treated, your dr., your health, your lifestyle and overall aggressiveness of the cancer. We've lost members who started with a stage 1 cancer, and there are many surviving who started with stage 4. So many factors come into play. And even knowing someone who has the same tumor, location etc who survived doesn't guarantee the same outcome for others.

Best thing someone can do is get the best treatment, at the best hospital (preferably a CCC), and do all that you can on a life style level (proper nutrition, giving up smoking etc...) to help your body fight, and heal.

best of luck. Hope this helped some.