Jon W, blood tests really do not show HNSCC. There is an antigen test for Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and there are proteins that are expressed higher in HNC, and HPV, but believe these tests are expensive, and not readily used. CEA levels can be used to monitor recurrent cancer in SCCHN, after surgery, but I don't know about initial diagnosis, but there would be more proof than than, and none of these should be relied on solely, and only a biopsy can tell if its cancer or not. If you want to know what the CT showed, get a written copy, and while you're at it, ask if a copy of the CD for your records, and future reference.. A fine needle aspirational biopsy, FNAB, can be easily done on a palpable node, usually done under ultra sound, in 10 minutes, is more accurate than any other scan on the nodes, and the sample can tell if it's cancer or not and other histology, and may even be told on spot or next day after confirmation what it may be. As far as the numbess, could be anything. Is it your left arm, like a heart condition, diabetes? Keep going to the doctor(s) until you get answers. A swollen node for that long duration is not normal, but doesn't mean it's cancer, and could be an infection, cyst, salivary gland, blocked duct, etc. Good luck.