Hunterian chancre, also known as hard chancre, is a symptom of syphilis. The spelling of this medical term is based on the name of the physician John Hunter, who was one of the first to describe the disease. The pronunciation of the word is written in IPA phonetic transcription as [ˈhʌnteriən ˈtʃæŋkər], with the emphasis on the second syllable. The spelling of the word reflects the origin of its name and the medical pronunciation convention used by physicians and scholars worldwide.
Hunterian chancre is a medical term used to describe a primary syphilitic lesion that typically develops during the early stage of infection with the sexually transmitted disease (STD) syphilis. It is named after the Scottish surgeon John Hunter, who extensively studied and described various aspects of syphilis in the 18th century.
The term "Hunterian chancre" refers to a painless, firm, and ulcerated sore that appears at the site of entry of the Treponema pallidum bacterium, the causative agent of syphilis, usually on or around the genitals. The lesion usually appears as a small, round or oval-shaped sore with well-defined margins. It tends to develop between 10 to 90 days after exposure to the bacterium, although the average incubation period is around three weeks.
Hunterian chancres are highly infectious and can transmit the syphilis bacterium through direct contact, such as sexual intercourse. If left untreated, syphilis can progress to more severe stages, potentially affecting various organs and systems in the body.
Early diagnosis and treatment of Hunterian chancre and syphilis are crucial to prevent further complications. Medical professionals can diagnose the condition through physical examination and laboratory tests, such as blood tests for syphilis antibodies. Treatment typically involves the administration of antibiotics, such as penicillin, to eliminate the infection. Sexual partners of individuals diagnosed with a Hunterian chancre should also be tested and treated accordingly to prevent the spread of the disease.
• The typical ulcerated chancre with indurated base and edges; the initial lesion of syphilis.
• Indurated chancre.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "Hunterian chancre" has its etymology rooted in the name of surgeon and anatomist John Hunter.
John Hunter (1728-1793) was a Scottish surgeon who made significant contributions to the field of medicine and surgery. He is particularly known for his work on venereal diseases, specifically syphilis. Hunter's detailed observations and research on the disease led to a better understanding of its manifestations, including the primary stage.
The word "chancre" itself originated from the Latin word "cancer", meaning "crab" or "cancerous sore". It was used to describe ulcerated sores associated with the illness, particularly those found in primary syphilis.
Given Hunter's influential research and association with syphilis, the term "Hunterian chancre" was coined to honor his work in this area.