FN1 and lip and oral cavity carcinoma: This is supported by literature showing fibronectin to be a well-established marker of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT).44 Also, functional studies have linked fibronectin to EMT and cell migratory behaviour.45,46 Upregulated fibronectin activates a set of signalling pathways, such as EGFR and HER2 signalling, which in turn are a feedback to stimulate fibronectin expression.45,47,48 Although fibronectin has previously been linked to LNM in breast and oral cancer, this is the first time the protein has been associated with metastasis in EC.