These lesions are known as condylomata lata and are extremely infectious. Secondary syphilis may also cause enlargement of the liver, spleen, and lymph glands. This stage of the disease may persist for several months before the symptoms disappear. It is followed by a latent stage, after which tertiary syphilis may develop. It may affect any part of the body and may simulate almost any disease.
Tertiary syphilis is much rarer now because of antibiotic therapy of early syphilis.
Neurosyphilis may cause general weakness in the patient, with delusions, personality deterioration, and insanity, or it may cause tabes dorsalis in which the normal reflexes are lost. If the spinal cord is affected, there may be sudden paralysis of the legs and either urinary retention or incontinence. This swelling may compress adjacent organs, resulting in difficulty in swallowing, difficulty in talking, or collapse of part of the lungs. The aneurysm may rupture, causing sudden death. Benign tertiary syphilis is characterized by the formation of gummas, which are swollen areas of soft, scarlike tissue.