The condition most commonly is located at the junction of the hard and soft palate. However, the condition may arise anywhere minor salivary glands are located. It has also been occasionally reported to involve the major salivary glands. It may be present only on one side, or both sides. The lesion typically is 1–4 cm in diameter. Initially, the lesion is a tender, erythematous (red) swelling. Later, in the ulcerated stage, the overlying mucosa breaks down to leave a deep, well-circumscribed ulcer which is yellow-gray in color and has a lobular base. There is usually only minor pain, and the condition is often entirely painless. There may be prodromal symptoms similar to flu before the appearance of the lesion.
Necrotizing sialometaplasia
Ectopic salivary gland tissue
Tuberculous gumma
Proliferating epidermoid cyst
Ceruminous adenoma
Perforating granuloma annulare
Benign lymphoepithelial lesion
Proliferating trichilemmal cyst