Syphilis:
-Etiology: Caused by Treponema pallidum in direct contact with primary lesion (STD)
-Method of Transmission: Venereal transmission through sexual contact, from mother to fetus, or transfusion of infected blood
-Characteristics: Extraoral - skin lesions on extremities, genitals, and later-stage syphilis could involve the eyes and result in blindness. Intraoral - 3 stages (Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary). In primary stage, there is a chancre that is usually on the lip and is a firm, indurated lesion with an ulcer-like appearance. The secondary stage occurs several weeks after primary and patient has flu-like symptoms, fever, swollen lymph nodes, skin lesions, and some mucocutaneous lesions. These are called mucous patches that are ulcer-like with a pseudomembranous covering exhibiting yellow, white, or gray coloring. The tertiary stage can produce serious complications. A gumma may appear as an indurated mass and then an ulceration that promotes extensive tissue destruction.
-Dental Implications: Hutchinson triad - inflammation of cornea, eighth nerve deafness, and dental abnormalities. Molars formed with a rounded, cup-shaped appearance and incisors having a notched appearance.
-Treatment/Prognosis: Penicillin. Outcome depends on stage of disease.
-Citation: Oral Pathology for the Dental Hygienist p.280-282