Necrotizing sialometaplasia: review of the literature and report of nonulcerative case.

A review of the literature and a report of a case of necrotizing sialometaplasia of the hard palate is presented. Because necrotizing sialometaplasia may be misdiagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma or mucoepidermoid carcinoma, it is important that the clinician and pathologist take the necessary precautions to prevent any further mutilative surgery for this benign disease entity.