Splenocytes cultured with premalignant supernatant secrete significantly increased levels of the Th1-associated cytokines IL-2, IFN-γ, and TNF, Th17-associated IL-17A, and other proinflammatory mediators including RANTES and IL-1α compared to splenocytes cultured with HNSCC supernatant. This evidence concerns the gene IL1A and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.