[Necrotizing sialometaplasia of the palate. Literature report of 3 new cases].

In this study 3 cases diagnosed as necrotizing sialometaplasia (NS) of the palate are described and discussed together with 106 other cases cited in the literature. A benign, self-limiting, inflammatory lesion NS is reviewed focusing on age, sex, race, clinical and symptomatic features, etiology, and therapy. Clinically and histologically NS mimics malignancy. Male (mean age 49.8 yrs) to female (mean age 36.3 yrs) ratio is 1.95:1. The etiology of NS remains unknown, but it may be associated with local trauma, use of a denture, arteriosclerosis or allergy. Most investigators seem to favor an ischemic cause of NS. Lesions heal spontaneously without treatment within 1-3 months; the only invasive procedure required is a biopsy.