Bilateral Asynchronous Necrotizing Sialometaplasia of the Buccal Mucosa: A Case Report and Literature Review

Necrotizing sialometaplasia is a rare, benign disease that affects any area containing minor salivary glands. This entity presents a diagnostic difficulty due to its resemblance to malignancy. A unique case of bilateral asynchronous necrotizing sialometaplasia with superinfection secondary to trauma is described in this study. A 19-year-old female presented with bilateral ulcerative lesions in her buccal mucosa and facial swelling. The two lesions appeared several weeks apart. The diagnostic workup excluded rheumatologic, malignant, and infectious etiologies. The patient was treated with antibiotics and steroids with subsequent resolution of symptoms. Given the exclusion of other etiologies, the patient was diagnosed with bilateral asynchronous necrotizing sialometaplasia with superinfection. This case demonstrates the importance of considering necrotizing sialometaplasia as a diagnosis in all patients with oral ulcerative lesions.