Necrotizing sialometaplasia.

Three cases of necrotizing sialometaplasia of minor salivary glands are presented. Clinically and pathologically, this nonneoplastic lesion of the palate can be easily mistaken for carcinoma. The main histologic features are localized infarction of minor salivary glands and extensive squamous metaplasia with retention of the lobular architecture of the involved glands. The possible etiologic factors are discussed.