Necrotizing sialometaplasia masquerading as residual cancer of the lip.

Abstract

Necrotizing sialometaplasia is a benign disorder that histologically can mimic carcinoma. It is thought to develop as a result of ischemia or adjacent tissue injury. A patient is described who underwent a Mohs' micrographical fresh-tissue excision of one-third of the upper lip for basal cell carcinoma. By the time she was ready for reconstruction, a marked eczematous reaction developed to a polymyxin neomycin preparation (Neosporin ointment) at the wound edges. Reexcision of the wound margins before a flap reconstruction revealed necrotizing sialometaplasia on histopathological examination. This incidental finding fortunately was not mistaken for residual tumor. To prevent over-diagnosis and over-treatment of presumed malignancies, an awareness of necrotizing sialometaplasia is essential for all surgeons operating on mucosal surfaces in the head and neck.

• Authors: M S Granick, M P Solomon, A V Benedetto, M W Hannegan, M Sohn
• Journal: Annals of plastic surgery (Ann Plast Surg) Vol. 21 Issue 2 Pg. 152-4 (Aug 1988) ISSN: 0148-7043 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3178123 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Carcinoma, Basal Cell (surgery)
• Female
• Humans
• Lip (pathology)
• Lip Neoplasms (surgery)
• Neoplasm Recurrence, Local (surgery)
• Postoperative Complications (pathology)
• Reoperation
• Salivary Gland Diseases (pathology)
• Sialometaplasia, Necrotizing (pathology, surgery)
• Surgical Flaps
• Wound Healing