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Oral Secondary Syphilis

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Abstract

Secondary syphilis develops in approximately 25 % of patients infected with the spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum. It typically develops several weeks to several months after the primary infection, which is recognized by a painless chancre. Secondary syphilis is characterized by systemic symptoms, such as malaise and fever as well as a maculopapular rash involving the trunk and extremities including the palms and soles. Condyloma lata, which are raised, fleshy lesions, tend to develop at the site of the primary chancre. Diagnosis is achieved primarily through screening and confirmational serologic testing. Histologic findings seen in condyloma lata are largely non-specific. Therefore, a high index of suspicion should be maintained and immunohistochemical stains specific for T. pallidum should be utilized.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomic Pathology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, 34800 Bob Wilson Drive, San Diego, CA, 92134-5000, USA

    Peter N. Carbone & Brenda L. Nelson

  2. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA

    Gregory G. Capra

Authors
  1. Peter N. Carbone
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  2. Gregory G. Capra
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  3. Brenda L. Nelson
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Peter N. Carbone.

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The opinions and assertions expressed herein are those of the author and are not to be construed as official or representing the views of the Department of the Navy or the Department of Defense.

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Carbone, P.N., Capra, G.G. & Nelson, B.L. Oral Secondary Syphilis. Head and Neck Pathol 10, 206–208 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-015-0623-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-015-0623-3

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