Joansie, hope my experience gives you some idea.I was also diagnosed with stage 4 tonsil cancer by an ENT surgeon after MRI, biopsy,etc. The treatment option I was given was concurrent radiation and chemotherapy. Surgery was only necessary if tumors remained after treatment. In my case I didn't get any operation because treatment was effective. For staging of oral cancer, you can refer to lots of information in this website. As far as I know, when the primary source of cancer is tonsil and spreads to neck lymph nodes, it is usually classified stage 4.The size of tumor may affect staging too. Do check and your doctors should be able to clarify your doubts.Don't worry, your doctors would tailor a set of treatments to the best of your husband.Many people here have similar type of cancer as your husband and they can definitely offer help.

Karen stage 4 tonsil cancer diagnosed in 9/01.