TERTIARY SYPHILIDE Meaning and
Definition
-
Tertiary syphilide refers to a specific stage in the progression of syphilis, which is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It is characterized by the appearance of skin lesions known as gummas, which are large, painless, ulcerated growths that can occur in various parts of the body. These may include the skin, bones, liver, heart, or other organs.
Tertiary syphilide typically develops several years after the primary and secondary stages of syphilis if left untreated or inadequately treated. It is considered the most severe and potentially debilitating stage of the disease, as it can cause significant damage to several organ systems. Common symptoms of tertiary syphilide may include skin lesions, such as gummas or nodules, which can be firm, reddish-brown, and eventually ulcerate. These lesions can vary in size and location but tend to affect areas that have a rich blood supply.
In addition to skin lesions, tertiary syphilide can lead to a range of complications, including cardiovascular syphilis, neurosyphilis, or gummatous inflammation. Cardiovascular syphilis can affect the large blood vessels leading to aneurysms or aortic insufficiency. Neurosyphilis involves the invasion of the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as cognitive impairments, sensory deficits, or even psychiatric problems. Gummatous inflammation may affect the bones, liver, or other organs, leading to tissue destruction and functional impairment.
Treatment for tertiary syphilide typically involves a prolonged course of antibiotics, usually penicillin, to eradicate the bacteria and prevent further progression of the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment of syphilis are crucial to prevent the development of tertiary syphilide and its associated
-
A syphilitic skin lesion peculiar to the third stage of the disease.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for TERTIARY SYPHILIDE
Etymology of TERTIARY SYPHILIDE
The term "tertiary syphilide" is derived from the combination of the words "tertiary" and "syphilide".
The word "tertiary" comes from the Latin word "tertiarius", meaning "of the third part or rank". In medical terminology, "tertiary" refers to the third stage or phase of a disease.
"Syphilide" is derived from the word "syphilis", which originated from the Latin poem "Syphilis sive Morbus Gallicus" by Girolamo Fracastoro in 1530. Syphilis itself is believed to have been named after the shepherd Syphilus, a character in the poem who represents the first recorded case of the disease.
