Necrotizing sialometaplasia involving the nasal cavity

Necrotizing sialometaplasia is a disease process which affects minor salivary glands. It may clinically and microscopically resemble squamous cell or mucoepidermoid carcinoma but is histologically benign. Thirteen patients with this process occurring on the hard palate have been reported in the past two years. We describe two cases in the nasal cavity and propose that compromise of the blood supply contributed to the occurrence of these lesions. This apparently benign lesion may represent nonspecific reaction of salivary and mucous glands to ischemic injury and must be distinguished from carcinoma.