Necrotizing sialometaplasia: a diagnostic dilemma.

Necrotizing sialometaplasia is a benign self-limiting lesion of both major and minor salivary glands although more commonly the latter. The clinical and histological similarity between this entity and a malignant lesion implies a risk of unnecessary radical treatment. We report a case of necrotizing sialometaplasia in middle aged women presenting as a non-ulcerated swelling. This case illustrates the need for careful analysis of a biopsy specimen for a correct diagnosis.