Tertiary syphilis is a late stage of the disease which can follow the initial infection, primary syphilis, by several years(3-15). Pockets of damage accumulate in various tissues such as the bones, skin, nervous tissue, heart, and arteries. These lesions are called gummas and are very destructive.

Review Date: 2/14/2002 12:00:00 AM Reviewed By:A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team

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