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Gumma

Definition

A gumma is a soft, tumor-like growth of the tissues (granuloma) that occurs in people with syphilis.

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:

Similar-looking sores sometimes occur with tuberculosis.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021. www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/default.htm. Updated June 13, 2023. Accessed August 21, 2025.

Dinulos JGH. Sexually transmitted bacterial infections. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 10.

Dionne JA, Ghanem KG. Syphilis and nonsyphilitic treponematoses. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 295.

Radolf JD, Salazar JC. Syphilis (Treponema pallidum). In: Blaser MJ, Cohen JI, Holland SM, et al, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 243.

Stary G, Stary A. Sexually transmitted infections. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 82.

Review Date: 8/5/2025
Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Roy and Diana Vagelos Professor in Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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