ORAL MANIFESTATIONS OF SECONDARY SYPHILIS: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by Treponema pallidum infection. Oral manifestations of secondary syphilis can be more extensive and variable than those of primary syphilis. A 57-year-old female presented a one-month history of mouth and throat ulcers. Extraoral examination revealed cervical lymphadenopathy and erythematous spots on her wrists and side of left foot. Intraorally, there were multiple erosive plaques on palatine tonsils, border of the tongue, and lower labial mucosa. Diagnostic hypotheses included erythema multiforme, pemphigus vulgaris, and syphilis. Incisional biopsy was performed and histopathological analysis revealed chronic inflammatory infiltrate rich in lymphocytes and plasma cells. Therefore, infection was suspected and serological tests were performed. VDRL, TPPA, and FTA-ABS tests yielded positive results, indicating a diagnosis of syphilis. Antibiotic therapy was begun, and oral and skin lesions disappeared within one month. Clinicians must be familiarized with the oral manifestations of syphilis, an emerging disease with varied clinical aspects. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by Treponema pallidum infection. Oral manifestations of secondary syphilis can be more extensive and variable than those of primary syphilis. A 57-year-old female presented a one-month history of mouth and throat ulcers. Extraoral examination revealed cervical lymphadenopathy and erythematous spots on her wrists and side of left foot. Intraorally, there were multiple erosive plaques on palatine tonsils, border of the tongue, and lower labial mucosa. Diagnostic hypotheses included erythema multiforme, pemphigus vulgaris, and syphilis. Incisional biopsy was performed and histopathological analysis revealed chronic inflammatory infiltrate rich in lymphocytes and plasma cells. Therefore, infection was suspected and serological tests were performed. VDRL, TPPA, and FTA-ABS tests yielded positive results, indicating a diagnosis of syphilis. Antibiotic therapy was begun, and oral and skin lesions disappeared within one month. Clinicians must be familiarized with the oral manifestations of syphilis, an emerging disease with varied clinical aspects.