ORAL CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF SYPHILIS: CASE SERIES

Abstract

Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by the transmission of the Treponema pallidum bacterium. When left untreated, its morbidity can result in cardiovascular, bone, and neurological disorders. The diagnosis of syphilis can be a challenge because oral lesions can be multiple and mimic many other conditions. This report aims to describe the variety of oral manifestations and the clinical evolution of syphilis. Three patients presented oral manifestations such as mucosal plaques, ulcers with irregular borders, nodules, and erosion, affecting the tongue, buccal mucosa, and palate. The characteristics of the lesions and the patients’ medical histories led to the diagnostic hypothesis of secondary syphilis. Laboratory treponemal and nontreponemal tests confirmed the diagnosis. There is growing evidence of a reemergence of this sexually transmitted infection, and the incidence of primary and secondary manifestations in the mouth should be reinforced for oral and nonoral health care specialists. Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by the transmission of the Treponema pallidum bacterium. When left untreated, its morbidity can result in cardiovascular, bone, and neurological disorders. The diagnosis of syphilis can be a challenge because oral lesions can be multiple and mimic many other conditions. This report aims to describe the variety of oral manifestations and the clinical evolution of syphilis. Three patients presented oral manifestations such as mucosal plaques, ulcers with irregular borders, nodules, and erosion, affecting the tongue, buccal mucosa, and palate. The characteristics of the lesions and the patients’ medical histories led to the diagnostic hypothesis of secondary syphilis. Laboratory treponemal and nontreponemal tests confirmed the diagnosis. There is growing evidence of a reemergence of this sexually transmitted infection, and the incidence of primary and secondary manifestations in the mouth should be reinforced for oral and nonoral health care specialists.