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Syphilis resembling human papilloma virus associated oropharyngeal cancer: case report and literature review of recent incidence trends

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 January 2022

D Maki*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
K Ebisumoto
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
A Sakai
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
K Okami
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
*
Author for correspondence: Dr Daisuke Maki, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan E-mail: d.maki@tokai.ac.jp Fax: +81 463 941 611

Abstract

Background

The yearly incidence of syphilis has risen markedly in Japan and worldwide. There has also been an increased incidence of human papilloma virus associated oropharyngeal cancer, which presents with clinical features similar to those of syphilis.

Objective

A case of syphilis with clinical manifestation resembling that of human papilloma virus associated oropharyngeal cancer is reported, along with a literature review of similar cases.

Methods

Clinical case reports and review of previous literature.

Conclusion

Syphilis may cause irregular mucosal lesions of the oropharynx and cystic lymphadenopathy. It is difficult to diagnose syphilis only by examining pathological specimens, without clinical information such as Treponema pallidum antibody findings. It is necessary to correctly understand the characteristics of syphilis and human papilloma virus associated oropharyngeal cancer to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Type
Main Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED

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Footnotes

Dr D Maki takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

References

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