In the present study, we identified seven DEGs (THBS1, RNASE, DKK1, HOXC13 CCL2, TNFRSF4 and SPINK6) associated with hypoxia in HNSCC patients that may serve as potential biomarkers of HNSCC prognosis. The gene discussed is DKK1; the disease is head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.