Necrotizing sialometaplasia. A clinicopathologic study of sixty-nine cases and review of the literature

Abstract

The clinicopathologic findings in 69 cases of necrotizing sialometaplasia (NS) were analyzed and compared with 115 reported cases of NS in the English-language literature. Data comparing age, sex, race, location, clinical presentation, and possible predisposing factors are summarized. Analysis of the data indicates that NS can occur in a variety of clinical settings and may exhibit a spectrum of histologic features. Recognition of NS, regardless of its clinical or microscopic presentation, is essential to avoid inappropriate or unnecessary treatment for this benign reactive process.