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. 2023 Dec 18;13:1273516. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1273516

Figure 1.

Figure 1

Schematic overview of the predisposing factors for HNCs and the general pattern of carcinogenesis. The activated carcinogens can produce DNA damage or are excreted. When the cellular repairing mechanisms are functioning properly, the DNA damage is repaired, but when these mechanisms are ineffective, genetic defects are perpetuated and can ultimately lead to HNCs.