In which stage of syphilis might you find leukoplakia?

Leukoplakia can be associated with tertiary syphilis due to the development of gumma lesions, which may present in various forms, including mucosal involvement. In tertiary syphilis, damage occurs to various organs, including the skin, heart, blood vessels, and nervous system. One of the manifestations can be lesions in the mucous membranes, which could present as leukoplakia—characterized by white patches on mucosal surfaces, often in the mouth. This is significant as it reflects the profound tissue changes that occur in the later stages of the disease.

The earlier stages, such as primary and secondary syphilis, present with different hallmark symptoms. Primary syphilis typically showcases a chancre, while secondary syphilis displays widespread rashes and systemic symptoms. Latent syphilis is a stage with no visible symptoms but can still be detected through serological tests. Thus, leukoplakia is more characteristic of tertiary syphilis rather than any of the earlier stages, which is why this choice is the most appropriate.