Because p53 gene mutations are prevalent in HNSCC with an LOH of 17p and TP53 point mutations are detected in 40%–50% of premalignant lesions,122 we expect that an extra p53 mutation will increase vulnerability and collaboratively induce carcinogenesis, as has been observed in other tissues like the mammary gland.123. Here, TP53 is linked to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.