Had a lemon sized version myself. The radiation oncologist said to me that above 2 cc he couldn't treat it as well and suggested I have it removed.
I underwent a right radial neck dissection to remove the cancerous lymph node and it was a success. My surgeon did a super job and I had almost no bleeding and no pain. Out of the hospital in 2 days with another 4 days rest.
Scar healing up fine and a 2 weeks after the op I was in radiation.
Getting the cancer out of your body aids the rest of the treatment and gives you a better chance for success and recovery.