Symptom 5. Tertiary Stage: Gummatous Syphilis
The tertiary stage of syphilis is marked by the development of gummas, which are soft, tumor-like growths that can affect various organs and tissues.
• Appearance and Location: Gummas can manifest as rubbery, non-cancerous masses in the skin, bones, liver, or other organs. They can cause localized inflammation, tissue damage, and organ dysfunction.
• Potential Complications: If left untreated, gummatous syphilis can lead to severe complications, such as bone deformities, organ failure, or disfigurement.
• Treatment and Prognosis: Although gummas can be treated with antibiotics, the damage caused by this stage of syphilis may be irreversible. Early detection and treatment of syphilis are critical to preventing the development of gummas and associated complications. (5)
