Necrotizing sialometaplasia. A self-limited pseudotumoral palatal ulcer

Necrotizing sialometaplasia of the palate, an enigmatic pseudomalignant penetrating ulcer, is a benign lesion which heals spontaneously in three to ten weeks. Relative painlessness contributes to patient delay in seeking medical attention, and suggest that many cases are subclinical. Clinically, the patient age group and morbid gross appearance mimic malignant palatal tumors. Lack of awareness of this entity has led to the misdiagnosis of carcinoma in several previous cases. However, the histopathologic features of sialadenitis, focal lobular necrosis with mucosal ulceration and glandular squamous metaplasia, are distinctly benign. A typical case and literature review are presented.