squamous cell carcinoma

Dear Sir,

My father was having continously on/off pain in the head and neck. He has a swollen lymph node at neck, which has become quite large (5 cms.). We got the boipsy and CT results. here is what the result says:

"Lymphatic Enlargement (5 cms) in upper jugular and posterior triangle on Right side diagonised as "squamous cell carcinoma" - Primary on Right pharyngeal wall" .

Doctor suggested that it could be only 3rd stage because it has been confirmed through CT Scan of head, neck and abdomen, that it is not spread anywhere else like lungs or stomach.

DR. is suggesting to go throught Surgery of lymphnode and then Radiation.
I am bit afraid of Radiation at neck. Can this cause any kind of nerve system damage which can lead to any paralysis in body?.

Your suggestion will be really helpful to me.

Thanks for your support
Vikas