Necrotizing sialometaplasia of the nasopharynx with parapharyngeal extension: Case report and brief review of the literature.

We report a rare case of necrotizing sialometaplasia of the right lateral nasopharynx with extension into the right parapharyngeal space in a 39-year-old man. Since this is a self-limiting condition, the patient began to improve spontaneously over the next few weeks, and he experienced a complete recovery. Necrotizing sialometaplasia is an uncommon condition that is known to involve the palate; nasopharyngeal involvement is very rare, and to the best of our knowledge, extension into the parapharyngeal area has not been previously reported in the English-language literature. This condition poses a diagnostic dilemma because it closely mimics a malignancy, and failure to recognize it can result in unnecessary investigations and extensive surgery. We also review the literature on necrotizing sialometaplasia of the oropharyngeal area.