Is necrotizing sialometaplasia an oncological problem?

Abstract

IntroductionNecrosis of metaplastic salivary gland tissue (necrotizing sialometaplasia) is a pathology resulting from local injuries sustained through mechanical, chemical or radiation damage. The minor salivary glands of the hard and soft palates are the most common sites (80%), although these glands at other locations may be involved. It is important to distinguish this such types of necrosis/lesion from cancers of mucosal cells and squamous cells because of their localisation and macroscopic and histological appearance as well as from adenoid cystic carcinoma or pleomorphic adenoma. Study aimsTo review the scientific literature in the context of our own experience in clinically managing a patient presenting with necrotizing sialometaplasia (NS). Materials and methodsOur investigation was based on a literature review and our own findings and experience of a necrotizing sialometaplasia case focusing on its aetiology, histopathology, clinical picture, differential diagnosis and treatment. ConclusionsTreating necrotizing sialometaplasia is very important when it comes to patient care. It is essential that any diagnosis does not overestimate the need for undergoing unwarranted aggressive surgery but is limited to biopsy and achieving an overall cure without any such injurious surgical intervention. Because of the close histopathological similarity of NS to squamous cell carcinoma and muco-cutaneous epithelial cell carcinoma, special care is required for planning surgical procedures as a confirmed NS diagnosis limits surgery to only to taking a tissue fragment for histopathological examination.