Abstract:

Necrotizing sialometaplasia (NS) is a very rare benign formation of the hard palate, of a locally destructive and inflammatory nature, commonly affecting minor salivary glands. Due to NS clinical signs and location, this pathological lesion closely resembles certain carcinomas, such as a mucoepidermoid carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, and may therefore result in misdiagnosis and inappropriate courses of treatment.
Aim. The aim of this publication is to summarize and analyze the etiological factors leading to incidence of Necrotizing sialometaplasia, its prevalence in the population, methods of diagnosis, differentiation from other diseases with similar clinical manifestations and its treatment.
Materials and methods. For the purpose of this research, 45 dental literature sources have been reviewed, dated from the first described cases to the present days, published in English. This publication also presents a clinical case of Necrotizing sialometaplasia on the hard palate in the mouth.
Conclusion. Understanding the etiological factors for the occurrence of Necrotizing sialometaplasia, along with its clinical and histological features, can aid in the accurate diagnosis and treatment approach, thus avoiding unnecessary radical and invasive procedures.
Keywords: sialometaplasia, ischemia, self-limiting disease, minor salivary glands