Thanks to everyone for your replies. The information is very helpful, and it is nice to not be alone in all of this.

Brian and Jeff. I spoke with the doctor who is doing the biopsy, and he assured me that he is only doing a biopsy of the tumor and some small samples of the adjacent areas. He assured me that he is not removing the tumor, and he added that it would not be an appropriate treatment anyway. But he also said that if he discovers other tumors he will sample them too.

Squamous cell carcinoma base of tongue. Lymph involvement unclear; staging placed at "2 or 3." Biopsy 4/18/2008. Treatment: IMRT every day for 7 weeks. Cisplaten once a week to sensitize cancer to radiation. Treatment ended 7/16/08. PET/CT shows no more cancer.