MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Gumma

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Gumma

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Illustrations	Definition

Illustrations

Male and female reproductive systems

Definition Return to top

A gumma is a soft, tumor-like growth of the tissues (granuloma) caused by syphilis. It appears during late stage, tertiary syphilis. It usually contains a mass of dead and swollen fiber-like tissue, and occurs most frequently in the liver but may also occur in the brain, testis, heart, skin, and bone. Also, similar-appearing granulomatous sores are sometimes found with tuberculosis.

Update Date: 11/18/2003

Updated by: D. Scott Smith, MD, MSc, DTM&H, Infectious Diseases Division and Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA. Review provided by Verimed Healthcare Network.

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