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Secondary oral syphilis presenting as a tumor-like lesion on the lower lip.

Norberto Nobuo SugayaDante Migliari
Published in: Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de Sao Paulo (2024)
This study presents a case of atypical manifestation of secondary syphilis. Diagnosis was initiated prompted by the patient's complaint of a lower lip lesion, present for three months, resembling a malignant neoplasm. The lesion, a 3 cm (diameter) ulcerated nodule, arising from conjunctive tissue, raised concern. However, further physical examination revealed additional clinical features, including cervical micropolyadenopathy and erythematous skin lesions, prompting a reevaluation of the diagnosis, most likely secondary syphilis. These findings led to a serological investigation, which, ultimately, confirmed the diagnosis of syphilis. The case underscores the importance of recognizing syphilis as a formidable imitator, posing challenges in establishing differential diagnoses of mucocutaneous diseases.
Keyphrases
  • men who have sex with men
  • human immunodeficiency virus
  • hepatitis c virus
  • antiretroviral therapy
  • physical activity
  • mental health
  • hiv infected
  • case report
  • low grade
  • wound healing
  • high grade
  • optic nerve