Oral manifestations of syphilis: an epidemiological study in southern Brazil

Syphilis is an infectious, sexually transmitted disease with varied oral manifestations, that can mimic other lesions. This study aimed to conduct an epidemiological survey of cases of syphilis, diagnosed from oral manifestations, establishing the sociodemographic profile of patients and clinical characteristics of oral lesions.

The medical records of patients with oral lesions of syphilis acquired were reviewed, and 109 cases were selected.

The mean age of the patients was 34.4 years and, of these, 51% were male. In 105 cases, the disease was diagnosed in the secondary stage; in three cases, in the primary stage; and, in one case, in the tertiary stage. The cases of primary syphilis presented as single and ulcerated nodules, and the case of tertiary syphilis, as a necrotic lesion in the palate. In 86% of cases of secondary syphilis, there were multicentric lesions, presenting as grayish-white plaques (85%), associated or not with erosive and/or ulcerated lesions (33%), mostly affecting the labial mucosa and tongue. In 91.7% of cases painful symptoms were reported.

Considering the increase in syphilis, it is extremely important that dentists recognize its oral manifestations, because early diagnosis and treatment can minimize the risks of complications and transmission.