Necrotizing sialometaplasia of the tonsillar pillar. An unusual case.

Necrotizing Sialometaplasia (NS) is a rare, benign, self-limited, inflammatory and necrotizing reaction of the salivary glandular tissue. Due to the clinical picture (a painful ulcer with well-defined edges), and histopathological characteristics (nuclear and cellular pleomorphism of ductal cells) NS can mimic a malignant lesion. The correct diagnosis is important because NS shows a spontaneous resolution and therefore no further treatment is needed. We report a very unusual case of spontaneous and recurrent NS located on the anterior tonsillar pillar in a 43-year old man, which clinically mimics a malignant lesion. The clinician should be aware to include NS in the differential diagnosis of ulcers in soft palate and tonsillar pillars. Minor salivary gland, necrotizing sialometaplasia, oral ulcer, squamous cell carcinoma, tonsillar pillar.