Necrotizing Sialometaplasia of the Hard Palate Mimicking Oral Cancer: a Case Report

Necrotizing sialometaplasia (NS) is a rare, benign condition, which typically affects minor salivary glands. Although there have been case reports that highlight the need for urgent referral and importance of excluding malignancy, MRI from presentation to resolution has not been described. This case occurred in the hard palate of a 40-year-old, with a background of alcohol misuse and mental health problems. There was bony destruction in keeping with malignancy on initial MRI and CT scans, yet with histological diagnosis of NS and conservative management, subsequent scans at 1 and 4 months showed soft tissue and bony resolution. Histology is crucial for diagnosis when suspecting an oral malignancy, and MRI can provide a useful adjunct in diagnosis and monitoring of NS.