LAUSR

Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum that is transmitted by sexual contact or eventually vertical transmission. The infection has a characteristic evolution that develops classically in 3 stages (primary, secondary, and tertiary). A 34-year-old female sought treatment complaining of “mouth sores that not disappear.” During the clinical examination elevated white plaques were observed in the oropharynx and buccal mucosa. Clinical diagnosis was secondary syphilis. Serologic tests were requested (venereal disease research laboratory and fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption tests), and both showed normal results. As the clinical diagnosis of syphilis persisted, an incisional biopsy was performed and showed the typical features of the disease. Final diagnosis was syphilis, and the patient was referred for appropriate medical treatment.