Thanks for the info. Sounds like a needle core biopsy, which takes a larger tissue sample. The BOT has high propensity to metastases to the lymph nodes due to being highly lymphatic, even bilaterally, especially when invading midline of BOT. the blood tests may be pre-surgery clearance. There are really no bio markers for H&N cancer, but could be be checking other indications of inflammation, body is fighting cancer. There are biologic changes with cancer in H&N, and can be checking that too.. I even had a CA125, tumor marker test, which is more for other types cancer, ovarian, but MO did it after saying my levels should go down after the lymph node removal in my neck. Take care.