Which lesion is identified as syphilis?

• A. Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• B. Apthous Ulcer
• C. Recurrent Herpes
• D. Syphilis

Answer: (D)

The identification of syphilis is linked to its primary lesion, which is typically a chancre. A chancre is a painless ulcer that appears at the site of the initial infection with the Treponema pallidum bacterium. It is one of the hallmark signs of primary syphilis and is characterized by its clean base and raised edges. The chancre is usually solitary and can appear on any mucocutaneous surface, often in the genital area.

In contrast, the other lesions listed—squamous cell carcinoma, aphthous ulcers, and recurrent herpes—have distinct appearances and clinical features that differentiate them from the chancre associated with syphilis. Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant tumor that typically presents as a persistent sore or growth that can be painful and bleeds easily. Aphthous ulcers are small, painful lesions that occur in the mouth and are not typically associated with sexually transmitted infections. Recurrent herpes presents as painful vesicles that rupture and crust over, and the lesions often have a prodromal phase of tingling or burning.

Thus, recognizing the unique characteristics of the chancre as indicative of syphilis emphasizes why this is the correct answer in the context of identifying lesions associated with syphilis