Necrotizing sialometaplasia.

Necrotizing sialometaplasia of salivary gland tissue is a benign, self-limiting disease usually confined to the minor salivary glands. To date only 49 cases have been reported. The clinical and histologic appearance may simulate squamous cell carcinoma, and unnecessary mutilating surgery may be performed if an erroneous diagnosis is made. The otolaryngologist must recognize this disease entity since it heals spontaneously and requires no treatment. Necrotizing sialometaplasia has no known premalignant potential.