Gumma
Definition
A gumma is a soft, tumor-like growth of the tissues (granuloma) that occurs in people with syphilis.
Causes
A gumma is caused by the bacteria that cause syphilis. It appears during late-stage tertiary syphilis. It most often contains a mass of dead and swollen fiber-like tissue. It is most often seen in the liver. It also can occur in the:
- Bone
- Brain
- Heart
- Skin
- Testis
- Eyes
Similar-looking sores sometimes occur with tuberculosis.
Gallery
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021. www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/default.htm. Updated July 22, 2021. Accessed August 31, 2021.
Ghanem KG, Hook EW. Syphilis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 303.
Radolf JD, Tramont EC, Salazar JC. Syphilis (Treponema pallidum). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 237.
Stary Georg, Stary A. Sexually transmitted infections. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology, 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 82.