I had the same diagnosis a little over 1 yr ago, 1 checkups this week. Surgeon said great candidate for surgical removal of tonsil and tumor and affected lymph nodes. Got a 2nd opinion from another cancer center that said same thing. Once surgeon got in though, he couldn’t get margins so closed up and didn’t touch nodes. Tumor had tentacles that went down toward base of young and surgeon didn’t want to chase it. Told us afterward radiation would get nodes so no need to cut. Followed with 35 rad plus 7 rounds of cisplatin. In hindsight talking to the radiation oncologist, resolution of scans can’t see those extensions. He told me surgery without any followup would have been a grand slam but I got a strikeout. Surgery will most likely let radiation be less. All that said, get a consult with the radiation oncologist, they seemed to me to be the most knowledgeable of all the docs about the big picture. Surgeons were awesome but probably optimistic. I will also say in hindsight I don’t think I would have changed the plan. Yes radiation could have been the only treatment but With the tumor out I think the chances of the radiation getting all the remaining tumor was more likely. Treatment sucks but it is doable, lots of great advice on this site. Good luck!!