In this study we aimed to investigate whether HGF induced the translocation of ANXA1 protein to the nucleus in OSCC cells and the role(s) of ANXA1 nuclear localization in the carcinogenesis of OSCC using an immunohistochemical technique. The data suggest a novel mechanism for HGF-induced ANXA1 protein nuclear translocation that may play an important role in the pathogenesis and prognosis in oral SCCs.