Leonardi N, Panico RL, Caciva R

Language: Spanish
References: 17
Page: 59-65
PDF size: 211.87 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Objective: In this report we describe a clinical case of secondary syphilis located in the oral cavity. Case report: A 62-year-old male patient, resident of the city of Cordoba, Argentina, was referred to the Stomatology Service of the Faculty of Dentistry, at the National University of Cordoba, with oral lesions of three weeks of evolution and presumed diagnosis of aphthous stomatitis. Clinically, multiple lesions were observed in the mouth in the lower labial mucosa, the retro-commissural area, the ventral surface of tongue, and the posterior third of the soft palate and tonsils. The lesions were painful and looked like white plaques of opalescent appearance compatible with syphilitic papules. The patient also showed bilateral positive submandibular and occipital adenopathy, which was painless. The presumptive diagnosis was secondary syphilis. Serological studies were requested confirming the diagnosis. The patient was referred to the Infection Service at Rawson Hospital, where he received the appropriate treatment. Conclusions: Oral lesions due to venereal diseases are frequent but are underdiagnosed because of the inexperience of professionals on basic concepts of oral medicine. Syphilis is known as «the great simulator», so oral lesions caused by this pathology are often confused with other types of lesions. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can prevent the transmission of the disease and hence its complications.

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