I'm going to reiterate what the people here are saying if it is an
HPV+ BOT cancer it responds very well to radiation and chemo. Surgery is usually not offered. If it is Non
HPV then surgery is the primary treatment. Most BOT cancers are
HPV+. I know you are in New Zealand, please do make sure you are being treated at a comprehensive cancer center of some sort. A place that sees and does cancer all the time. Perhaps there is a reason they are choosing to operate - do find out why. Best of luck and unfortunately - welcome. ;o)