Tertiary syphilis, the advanced stage of syphilis, is a complex medical term that may cause confusion in spelling, especially for those not familiar with the medical terminology. Its pronunciation is "ˈtɜːʃəri sɪfəlɪs." The word "tertiary" is derived from the Latin word "tertius" which means third, referring to the third stage of the disease. Meanwhile, the word "syphilis" has its roots in Greek mythology, where Syphilis was a shepherd who was punished by the god Apollo with a severe rash due to his blasphemy.
Tertiary syphilis is a stage of syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It is characterized by a wide range of complications that can occur years or even decades after the initial infection.
At this advanced stage, the infection has spread throughout the body, affecting various organs, tissues, and systems. The symptoms of tertiary syphilis can vary greatly and depend on the specific organs affected. Some common manifestations include cardiovascular syphilis, neurosyphilis, and gummatous syphilis.
Cardiovascular syphilis affects the heart and blood vessels, causing abnormalities such as aortic aneurysms or inflammation of the heart's lining. Neurosyphilis involves the central nervous system, leading to neurological symptoms like paralysis, dementia, or sensory disturbances. Gummatous syphilis results in the development of gummas, which are granulomatous lesions that can affect any organ, including the skin, bones, liver, or brain.
Tertiary syphilis can cause severe and potentially life-threatening complications if left untreated. The infection may damage vital organs, impair neurological functions, or lead to other serious health conditions. Diagnosis of tertiary syphilis often involves a combination of clinical examination, serologic testing, and imaging studies.
Treatment for tertiary syphilis usually involves a long-term course of antibiotics, such as penicillin, to target the bacterium and halt disease progression. However, the treatment may not be able to reverse the damage that has already occurred. Early detection and prompt intervention are crucial in preventing the advancement to tertiary syphilis.
The final stage of the disease, of indefinite beginning and ending, marked by the formation of gummata.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
See syphilis.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The term "tertiary syphilis" comes from the combination of two different sources: "tertiary" and "syphilis".
1. Tertiary:
The word "tertiary" is derived from the Latin word "tertiarius" which means "of the third part or order". In medical terminology, it is used to describe the third and final stage of a disease or condition that has progressed over time. Tertiary syphilis denotes the advanced stage of syphilis.
2. Syphilis:
The term "syphilis" is believed to have originated from the poem "Syphilis, sive morbus gallicus" (Syphilis, or the Gallic disease) written by Girolamo Fracastoro, an Italian physician and poet, in 1530.