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STDs (Expert Forum)
This is my story
Answered by
Edward W Hook, MD - HIV Prevention, stds
This forum does not cover AIDS/HIV issues. This forum is for questions and support regarding STD issues such as: Chlamydia, Crabs (pubic lice scabies), Gonorrhea, Hepatitis (viral), Herpes, HPV, Molluscum Contagiosum, PID, Rectal Infections, Syphilis, Trichomonas, Warts, Yeast Infection.
IMPORTANT
This forum is limited to questions about STDs other than HIV/AIDS. For questions about HIV prevention, or if you have general questions about safe sex (e.g., condoms, how to protect yourself from HIV and STDs), please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum
Some of the most common types of questions concern the risk of HIV or STD after a particular sexual exposure, and about symptoms that might or might not be due to HIV. If your question is along these lines, please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum.
This forum is limited to questions about STDs other than HIV/AIDS. For questions about HIV prevention, or if you have general questions about safe sex (e.g., condoms, how to protect yourself from HIV and STDs), please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum
Some of the most common types of questions concern the risk of HIV or STD after a particular sexual exposure, and about symptoms that might or might not be due to HIV. If your question is along these lines, please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum.
This is my story
by samipili, Jan 16, 2008 04:07PM
Here’s my story …
I went to Peru - end of Nov '03 thru mid Dec '03
Jan 11 2004 – brief oral sex encounter at golf tournament
mid-Feb – started to get night sweats and dry, sore mouth – possible sore inside mouth
end-Feb 2004- saw PCP – was tested for syphilis and HIV – both negative
PCP said it was probably just a virus
cont'd until mid-April '04 – symptoms abruptly ended
beginning 2006 – dotty rash on bottom of left foot only – attributed to dryness
end-Dec '07 - CT scan showed enlarged lymph nodes in abdomen and upper chest 1.4-3.0cm
January '08
possible lymphoma suspected although PET scan SUV values are 2.0-3.5 – indolent lymphoma ? or could enlarged lymph nodes be caused by syphilis ?
I went to Peru - end of Nov '03 thru mid Dec '03
Jan 11 2004 – brief oral sex encounter at golf tournament
mid-Feb – started to get night sweats and dry, sore mouth – possible sore inside mouth
end-Feb 2004- saw PCP – was tested for syphilis and HIV – both negative
PCP said it was probably just a virus
cont'd until mid-April '04 – symptoms abruptly ended
beginning 2006 – dotty rash on bottom of left foot only – attributed to dryness
end-Dec '07 - CT scan showed enlarged lymph nodes in abdomen and upper chest 1.4-3.0cm
January '08
possible lymphoma suspected although PET scan SUV values are 2.0-3.5 – indolent lymphoma ? or could enlarged lymph nodes be caused by syphilis ?
Doctor's Answer
by Edward W Hook, MD, Jan 16, 2008 06:53PM
, Jan 16, 2008 06:53PMTo: samipili
There have been rare cases of syphilis which were mistaken for lymphoma but this is very rare and, I'm afraid, very unlikely in your case. the blood tests for syphilis are VERY good and almost never miss the infection. None the of the symptoms you describe, in the time frame you describe fit with syphilis.
I see no reason for you not to request another syphilis blood test just too be sure but I suspect it will be negative. If it is, then it is for sure that you do not have syphilis.
Good luck. EWH
I see no reason for you not to request another syphilis blood test just too be sure but I suspect it will be negative. If it is, then it is for sure that you do not have syphilis.
Good luck. EWH
Member Comments (4)
by samipili, Jan 16, 2008 04:11PM
To: samipili
Could the initial test for syphilis possibly have missed the disease ?
by Ripazzio, Jan 17, 2008 04:27PM
To: samipili
Didn't you read the answer you just got? The test "almost never missed the infection". But like the doc said, you can be sure of it by having another test. And obviously you should do it if you can't let it go. Take care.
by Edward W Hook, MD, Jan 17, 2008 07:21PM
, Jan 17, 2008 07:21PMTo: sampili
Read my original answer. Unlikey to have missed the diagnosis but, in this unusual instnace, no reason not to be tested again (ONCE!!) EWH
