Gumma
A gumma is a soft, tumor-like growth of the tissues (granuloma) that occurs in people with syphilis.
The male and female reproductive systems, viewed from a mid-sagittal section.
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.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 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.
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 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.
