More than 90% of HNSCCs involve the mucosal surfaces of the oral cavity, oropharynx and larynx.2 HNSCC frequently presents in individuals with a history of tobacco and alcohol consumption.3,4 Both tobacco and alcohol cause DNA damage with an increased likelihood of generating mutations in cancer-related genes.5 Consistently, several studies have shown that such carcinogens contribute to the mutational profile of TP53.6–9. The gene discussed is TP53; the disease is cancer.