The Increasing Problem of Syphilis Manifesting as Head and Neck Cancer: A Case Series

Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. Rates have been rising in the US and globally. Known as the “Great Imitator,” syphilis can involve head and neck subsites, and often can masquerade as possible carcinoma of the head and neck. Here, we present three distin...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Laryngoscope 2024-01, Vol.134 (1), p.236-239
Main Authors: Culbert, August A., Israel, Anna‐Karoline, Ku, Jamie, Silver, Natalie L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
ENT
Head & neck cancer
head and neck cancer
Head and Neck Neoplasms - diagnosis
Humans
Neck - pathology
Oropharynx - pathology
syphilis
Syphilis - complications
Syphilis - diagnosis
Treponema pallidum
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Summary:Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. Rates have been rising in the US and globally. Known as the “Great Imitator,” syphilis can involve head and neck subsites, and often can masquerade as possible carcinoma of the head and neck. Here, we present three distinct cases of syphilis presenting as suspected head and neck malignancy involving the oropharynx, larynx and oral cavity. All cases were diagnosed on surgical pathologic examination of diseased tissues and treated. It is important for practicing otolaryngologists to understand head and neck manifestations of syphilis to facilitate proper diagnosis and treatment. Laryngoscope, 134:236–239, 2024
ISSN:0023-852X
1531-4995
1531-4995
DOI:10.1002/lary.30765