Necrotizing sialometaplasia of the palatal mucosa in patient with history of anorexia: Review and case report

Abstract

Necrotizing sialometaplasia is a self-limiting disorder affecting minor salivary glands resembling a malignant process both clinically and histopathologically. The etiology of this rare inflammatory` disorder is related to an ischemic event. Identified risk factors include alcohol abuse, smoking, drugs, denture wearing, injury and systemic diseases. Also reported are cases of necrotizing sialometaplasia associated with bulimia. This paper identifies the whole body incitement among additional risk factors by presenting a case of necrotizing sialometaplasia in an 18year old patient with the history of anorexia nervosa. Furthermore it describes the effects of extreme cooling of palatal mucosa with ice chips resulting in constriction of blood vessels as the direct cause, reinforcing ischemic etiology of necrotizing sialometaplasia.