Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
05:07
CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults
Published on: November 6, 2019
Secondary syphilis presenting as tonsillitis in three patients.
E Hamlyn1, D Marriott, R M Gallagher
1Department of HIV and Infectious Diseases, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|March 25, 2006
Summary
Secondary syphilis can cause severe tonsillitis in homosexual men. Clinicians should consider syphilis in high-risk patients with tonsillar lesions, even without classic symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Tonsillitis is a common condition presenting to ear, nose, and throat clinics.
- Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection with diverse clinical manifestations.
- Secondary syphilis can affect various organ systems, including the oropharynx.
Observation:
- Three homosexual men presented with severe tonsillitis.
- Physical examination revealed tonsillar lesions consistent with secondary syphilis.
- No other classical features of secondary syphilis were initially present in these patients.
Findings:
- All three patients were diagnosed with secondary syphilis of the tonsil.
- This highlights a less common presentation of secondary syphilis.
- The diagnosis was confirmed despite the absence of widespread cutaneous or systemic signs.
Implications:
- Otolaryngologists should consider syphilis in the differential diagnosis of severe tonsillitis, particularly in high-risk populations.
- Early recognition and treatment of tonsillar syphilis can prevent complications and further transmission.
- This case series emphasizes the importance of a broad differential diagnosis in infectious disease presentations.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
01:23Chronic Pharyngitis
Chronic pharyngitis refers to persistent inflammation of the pharyngial mucosa.
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
01:30Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymphoid tissue masses at the back of the throat. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation in the throat.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
01:26Tonsillitis II: Management
This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.
01:27Streptococcal Pharyngitis
Streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as “strep throat,” is an acute infection of the oropharyngeal tissues caused by the Gram‑positive Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking.Mechanisms of Host Entry and Immune EvasionUpon entering the host, S. pyogenes adheres to the mucosal epithelial cells of the pharynx via surface proteins, notably lipoteichoic acid and the antiphagocytic...