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Gumma

A gumma is a soft, tumor-like growth of the tissues (granuloma) that occurs in people with syphilis.

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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.

Related Information

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.

Review Date: 7/13/2021  

Reviewed By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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