From the brain to the heart, no system is spared. Tertiary syphilis, the final and most severe syphilis phase, is debilitating and life-threatening.
Here’s what happens to your body if you have this condition.
What is tertiary syphilis?
Tertiary syphilis represents the third and most severe stage of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. This phase can emerge years or even decades after the initial infection if left untreated.
Unlike the earlier stages, which might present with more noticeable symptoms such as sores and rashes, tertiary syphilis affects your internal organs, including the following:
- Brain
- Nerves
- Eyes
- Heart
- Blood vessels
- Liver
- Bones
- Joints
This late stage of the disease can lead to significant health complications, including neurological problems, cardiovascular issues and a potentially fatal outcome.
How does tertiary syphilis develop?
Tertiary syphilis develops as the final stage of an untreated syphilis infection, which can take years or decades after the initial exposure to Treponema pallidum.
The journey to this stage begins with primary syphilis, marked by sores at the infection site, which then progresses to secondary syphilis, characterized by skin rashes and mucous membrane lesions.
If these early signs are ignored or left untreated, the infection may enter a latent phase, where it shows no symptoms but continues to linger in your body.
Without intervention, the bacterium can eventually cause severe damage to the internal organs.
From primary syphilis
Primary syphilis begins with a single sore or multiple sores at the site of infection, known as chancres. These sores are the bacterium’s initial sign of entry but often go unnoticed due to their painless nature.
Without timely treatment, the infection advances beyond this initial stage.
Transition through secondary syphilis
The infection progresses to secondary syphilis, which is marked by:
- Skin rashes
- Mucous membrane lesions
- Flu-like symptoms
These signs mean that the bacterium has spread throughout your body. This stage is more noticeable and serves as a critical point for intervention to prevent further progression.
Entering latent phase
Following the secondary stage, syphilis may enter a latent phase. Here, the infection may persist asymptomatically, and you may endure this for years.
Symptoms of tertiary syphilis
Tertiary syphilis, the late stage of the infection, manifests through various severe symptoms that can affect multiple body systems, including:
- Gummas, or tumor-like growths, on skin or organs
- Lumps that may be painful or painless
- Cardiovascular syphilis
- Aortitis or inflammation of the aorta
Diagnosing tertiary syphilis
To diagnose tertiary syphilis, your healthcare provider will order a combination of blood tests and specialized assessments to identify the presence and extent of the infection.
- Blood tests. These tests are fundamental in detecting syphilis antibodies.
- Venereal disease research laboratory test (VDRL). The VDRL test checks for non-specific antibodies that may indicate a syphilis infection.
- Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test (FTA-ABS). The FTA-ABS test is more specific in detecting antibodies directly against the Treponema pallidum bacterium, which confirms the presence of syphilis.
If your healthcare provider suspects neurosyphilis, they may also conduct a cerebrospinal fluid analysis to evaluate the involvement of the nervous system.
Treatments for Tertiary Syphilis
Treating tertiary syphilis focuses on managing the severe complications through antibiotics and addressing specific symptoms. Penicillin G remains the cornerstone of treatment, effective even at this advanced stage. If you’re allergic to penicillin, your healthcare provider may prescribe doxycycline as an alternative.
Beyond antibiotics, your treatment may involve surgery for gummas or cardiovascular complications and physical therapy if you also have neurosyphilis complications.
Complications of untreated tertiary syphilis
Untreated tertiary syphilis can lead to severe and life-threatening complications. The disease can cause extensive damage to your body, including:
- Aortic aneurysm
- Aortic valve disease
- Neurosyphilis
- Meningitis
- General paresis
- Mental disorders
- Loss of muscle coordination
Preventing tertiary syphilis
To prevent tertiary syphilis, prioritize the importance of early detection and treatment of the infection in its initial stages.
Doing a regular screening for syphilis, especially if you’re at higher risk, is crucial for early identification.
Also, practicing safe sex, including the consistent use of condoms, to reduce the risk of transmission.
Frequently asked questions
What are the common symptoms of tertiary syphilis?
Tertiary syphilis can manifest through gummas (soft, non-cancerous growths), cardiovascular problems and neurosyphilis, which affects the nervous system.
How long after initial infection does tertiary syphilis typically occur?
Tertiary syphilis typically develops 10 to 30 years after the initial infection, following an extended period without symptoms.
Can tertiary syphilis be cured?
While antibiotics can manage some effects of tertiary syphilis, the damage to organs and tissues may be irreversible, which is why early detection and treatment are important.
How is tertiary syphilis diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a combination of physical examinations, blood tests to detect syphilis antibodies, and imaging tests to assess organ damage.
Key takeaway
Tertiary syphilis is a severe and life-threatening condition that can develop years or even decades after an untreated syphilis infection.
This advanced stage can cause significant damage to multiple body systems, including your brain, heart and blood vessels. While antibiotics like Penicillin G can manage the infection, the damage done to organs may be irreversible.
That said, early detection and treatment of syphilis in its initial stages can help you to prevent the progression or prevent having this condition in the first place.
