Definition

Noun: A gumma is a small, rubbery, tumor-like mass of inflamed tissue (a granuloma). It is a non-cancerous lesion that is characteristic of the tertiary (late) stage of the infectious disease syphilis.

Usage

The word "gumma" is a medical term used specifically in pathology and infectious disease contexts to describe this distinct type of lesion. It is almost always associated with late-stage syphilis. * The autopsy revealed the presence of a gumma on the liver, confirming tertiary syphilis. * Neurological symptoms can occur if a gumma forms in the brain or spinal cord.

Advanced Usage

• The plural form is gummata or, more commonly, gummas.
• The adjective form is gummatous, used to describe tissue or inflammation related to a gumma.
  • The biopsy showed gummatous necrosis.

Variants and Related Words

• Gummatous (adjective): Of or relating to a gumma.
  • gummatous lesion, gummatous infiltration

Synonyms

• Syphilitic granuloma
• Late syphilid (in a broader sense for skin lesions)

Different Meanings

The word "gumma" has only this specific medical meaning in modern English. It should not be confused with "gum" (the tissue around teeth or a sticky substance).

Noun

1. a small rubbery granuloma that is characteristic of an advanced stage of syphilis