Necrotizing sialometaplasia: an early, nonulcerative presentation.

Necrotizing sialometaplasia usually presents as a painless, deeply excavating ulcer and is considered in the differential diagnosis of large palatal ulcers along with mucoepidermoid carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma. This case is presented to illustrate that the early signs and symptoms of necrotizing sialometaplasia may be swelling with a purulent exudate, diffuse, vague pain, and numbness. It also demonstrates the rapidity with which initial signs of healing become apparent. This latter clinically suggests a benign process.