Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. Rates have been rising in the US and globally. Known as the "Great Imitator," syphilis can involve head and neck subsites, and often can masquerade as possible carcinoma of the head and neck. Here, we present three distinct cases of syphilis presenting as suspected head and neck malignancy involving the oropharynx, larynx and oral cavity. All cases were diagnosed on surgical pathologic examination of diseased tissues and treated. It is important for practicing otolaryngologists to understand head and neck manifestations of syphilis to facilitate proper diagnosis and treatment. Laryngoscope, 134:236-239, 2024.
Keywords: ENT; head and neck cancer; syphilis.
© 2023 The Authors. The Laryngoscope published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.