Necrotizing Sialometaplasia and the importance of considering it as a differential diagnosis of intraoral neoplasms

Abstract

Necrotizing sialometaplasia is a benign and self-limiting pathological entity that occurs in minor salivary glands, most frequently located on the border between the hard and soft palate. It has an unclear etiology, being associated with physical, chemical or biological injury, which would produce necrosis due to ischemia of the glandular tissue and a subsequent attempt to repair, which histologically translates into tissue metaplasia. Clinically, it can present as an irregular ulcer, with raised edges and a necrotic base, giving it an appearance that is easily confused with a malignant oral neoplasm. Although they have a low prevalence, their knowledge can avoid unnecessary and mutilating clinical maneuvers. We present the case of an adult, who had a family history of malignant neoplasm of the head and neck, and his clinical evolution. Relevant aspects are discussed. Ulcerated lesions with a crater-like appearance, located on the palate, should evoke this lesion as part of their diagnostic hypotheses, their knowledge can avoid carrying out mutilating and unnecessary treatments