PALATAL PERFORATION DUE TO TERTIARY SYPHILIS IN 56 YEARS OLD MALE PATIENT FROM CHENNAI, INDIA

Abstract

Syphilis is caused by microaerophilic spirochete called treponema pallidum. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease. If left unnoticed and untreated, syphilis can progress from mild primary to severe tertiary stage. It is commonly seen in immunodeficient patients. Syphilis belongs to re-emerging group of diseases. The non- cancerous, granulomatous growth called gumma is present in tertiary syphilis. It can be on tongue or hard palate, which may develop into perforation of the hard palate.