Role of podoplanin in foci of infection pertaining to head and neck region of adult and paediatric population – A systematic review.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) stands as a significant global cancer, contributing to increased illness and death rates. It ranks sixth among cancers worldwide, with over 550,000 new cases each year. Major databases such as Medline were explored detailed literature search in resulting in a systematic review pertaining to podoplanin. Fourteen scientific articles dated between 2020 – 2024 pertaining to podoplanin were highlighted. Podoplanin (PDPN) has emerged as a pivotal player in tumor behavior and progression across various carcinomas. Structurally unique, PDPN lacks recognizable functional domains but exerts profound effects on cell behavior through interactions with various proteins, orchestrating processes such as tumor cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. Detailed information regarding podoplanin and its vital role in the field of oral and maxillofacial pathology is discussed in this systematic review. Received: 20th December 2024.Accepted: 20th March 2025.