Necrotizing sialometaplasia: literature review and case reports.

The authors describe necrotizing sialometaplasia, a benign inflammatory lesion primarily involving the minor salivary glands of the hard palate. The lesion presents itself as a deep-seated palatal ulcer with clinical and histologic features mimicking those of a malignant neoplasm. The lesion is believed to be the result of vascular ischemia initiated by trauma. An incisional biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis, and the lesion heals by secondary intention within four to 10 weeks.