Subgroup analysis indicated HIF-1α overexpression was significantly associated with worse OS in oral carcinoma (HR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.11–3.97; I2 81.7%), nasopharyngeal carcinoma (HR = 2.07; 95% CI:1.23–3.49; I2 22.5%) and oropharynx carcinoma(HR = 1.76; 95% CI:1.05–2.97; I2 61%), but not in laryngeal carcinoma(HR = 1.38; 95% CI: 0.87–2.19; I2 62.5%). The gene discussed is HIF1A; the disease is oropharyngeal carcinoma.