I agree with Christine. It is not going to show up on a blood test. When Kevin's lymph nodes were large they were hard as a rock and didn't move at all. That being said...we went around and around with different doctor's from the middle of April to July when we were finally diagnosed. You have to be your own advocate. If you don't get satisfaction in one place, move on. The place you need to be is at an ENT. I wouldn't waste anymore time and money on dentists...or blood tests! Kevin's blood tests were completely normal and he was stage IV.
Keep in touch.
Kathy

Kathy wife/caregiver to:
Kevin age:53
Dx 7/15/11
HPV16+ SCC Stage IV BOT/R
Non smoker, casual drinker
7/27/11 Cistplatin, taxotere,5FU 2/3week sessions, followed by IMRT 125cgy x 60 (2x daily) w/Erbitux weekly. Last rad 10/26/11. Last Erbitux 10/27/11
PEG placed 9/1/11 Removed 11/8/11
Clear PET 10/12 and 10/13 and ct in 6/14