Multiple plaques on the face and neck of a middle-aged man. Diagnosis: secondary syphilis.

Syphilis is an unusual diagnosis in an ENT practice. We evaluated a 55-year-old man who had generalized plaques on his face, neck, and upper extremities. Analysis of skin biopsy and serology specimens revealed that the patient had secondary syphilis. He responded rapidly to treatment. The purpose of this article is to remind otolaryngologists of the signs and symptoms of syphilis so that it can be recognized and treated in a timely fashion.