Necrotizing sialometaplasia

Two cases of necrotizing sialometaplasia are reported together with a review of the literature. This self-limiting benign lesion is easily confused with malignant tumors. The lesions are characterized histologically by an extensive necrosis of the salivary gland tissue together with squamous metaplasia of the ducts. The present report of two females who had intense pain in the initial phase differs from previous reports concerning age and symptoms. The importance of rather extensive biopsy specimens is stressed. Antibiotic treatment appears to be insignificant. A clinical history of allergy and a dominance of eosinophilic granulocytes in the inflammatory exudate in both cases may indicate an allergic etiology.