A case of syphilitic lymphadenitis of the cervical lymph nodes

A case of syphilitic lymphadenitis of the neck, without syphilis of other regions, is presented. Thepatient was a 41-year-old man. A medical examination revealed a 35×35mm mass and swelling of several lymphnodes in the left side of the neck. The mass was thought to be a malignant lymphoma. However, serological examinationrevealed elevated values of the RPR test (titer, 1: 64) and TPHA test (1: 2560). Light microscopicexamination of the mass also showed lymphadenitis associated with follicular hyperplasia with extension into themedulla and proliferation of plasmacytes and epithelial-like cells within the follicles. Conseqently, the mass wasdiagnosed as syphilitic lymphadenitis. An intravenous drip injection of ABPC was administered at 2.0g/day for4days postoperatively, and oral ABPC 1.5g/day was given for 2 months. Cervical lymph node swelling disappearedcompletely. Interview of the patient suggested that syphilis was acquired 2 months befor the onset of symptoms, and the syphilitic lymphadenitis was apparently caused by oral infection.