Key Points
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Necrotizing sialometaplasia is an important lesion as it can be misdiagnosed as a malignancy.
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No treatment has been described previously either for the lesion or anaesthesia which may be associated.
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This is an unusual case since both bilateral occurrence and bilateral anaesthesia has not been previously reported.
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Since aetiopathogenesis is inflammatory, a trial of intralesional steroids was undertaken. Unfortunately this had no effect on the clinical course of the lesion, or the anaesthesia, which resolved spontaneously in 2 years.
Abstract
Necrotizing sialometaplasia is a self-limiting, variably ulcerated benign process affecting minor salivary glands. Accurate histological diagnosis is paramount, as it has been mistaken for malignancy, which has resulted in excessively aggressive and unnecessary radical surgery. A unique case of bilateral necrotizing sialometaplasia, presenting with anaesthesia of the greater palatine nerves, is described. An attempt at active therapy with intralesional steroids had no effect on the course of the condition.
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Keogh, P., O'Regan, E., Toner, M. et al. Necrotizing sialometaplasia: An unusual bilateral presentation associated with antecedent anaesthesia and lack of response to intralesional steroids. Case report and review of the literature. Br Dent J 196, 79–81 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4810892
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4810892
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