GUMMA Meaning and
Definition
-
Gumma is a noun with its origin in the late 19th century medical terminology. It is often used in the field of medicine to describe a specific type of destructive and inflammatory lesion that typically stems from tertiary syphilis. It is derived from the term "gum," which refers to a soft, swollen, and usually pus-filled mass that can occur in any part of the body.
In medical discourse, gumma specifically denotes a granulomatous lesion that forms during the late stages of syphilis infection. It is characterized by the formation of a firm, rubbery, and painless lump that can appear on various organs or tissues, including the skin, bones, liver, or brain. Typically, gummas arise due to the chronic, irreversible inflammatory response to the Treponema pallidum bacteria, which causes syphilis. They can cause extensive damage, as they tend to erode and destroy nearby structures, leading to functional impairment or deformity if left untreated.
Treatment for gummas usually involves the administration of antibiotics, specifically penicillin, which is highly effective against the causative bacteria. Early diagnosis and treatment are imperative to prevent the progression of syphilis to its tertiary stage where these lesions develop. While relatively rare due to the widespread use of antibiotics, understanding gummas and their association with syphilis remains crucial in the medical field, as it aids in accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and prevention of further complications.
-
An infectious granuloma, the characteristic lesion of late, or tertiary, syphilis, occurring in any of the organs or tissues; in time it undergoes fatty and caseous degeneration, its center breaking down into a peculiar gummy material.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GUMMA
- fumma
- vumma
- bumma
- humma
- yumma
- tumma
- gymma
- ghmma
- gjmma
- g8mma
- g7mma
- gunma
- gukma
- gujma
- gumna
- gumka
- gumja
- gummz
- gumms
Etymology of GUMMA
The word "gumma" is derived from the Late Latin word "gumma", which means "swelling" or "tumor". It entered English usage in the 17th century and originally referred to a specific type of tumor associated with syphilis. Over time, the term "gumma" has expanded to be used more generally to describe any localized tumor or swelling in the body.
Similar spelling words for GUMMA
- guano,
- gun,
- gunia,
- guama,
- GUMM,
- guan,
- gum,
- guyana,
- guam,
- guinea,
- guiana,
- gummy.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
