Question 1

Q: The characteristic features of inguinal lymph nodes associated with a primary syphilitic lesion of the vulva are

Firm, shotty, painless nodes that do not suppurate. **Firm, shotty, painless nodes that do not suppurate** - Lymphadenopathy in **primary syphilis** typically presents as **firm, bilateral, painless**, and non-suppurative lymph nodes, often described as "shotty." - These nodes are usually discrete and do not tend to mat together or form abscesses, reflecting the inflammatory response to **_Treponema pallidum_**. *Painful, tender nodes which become matted together to form an abscess* - **Painful, matted, and suppurative** lymph nodes are more characteristic of other infections, such as those caused by bacterial pathogens like **_Staphylococcus aureus_** or **_Streptococcus pyogenes_**, or conditions like **lymphogranuloma venereum**. - These features are generally not associated with the indolent inflammatory response seen in primary syphilis. *Non-suppurative tender enlarged nodes* - While the nodes in primary syphilis are **non-suppurative and enlarged**, they are typically **painless**, not tender. - **Tenderness** can suggest a more acute or active inflammatory process, and the absence of pain is a key distinguishing feature of syphilitic lymphadenopathy. *Painful inflamed nodes which undergo necrosis and develop a chronic sinus* - **Necrotic lymph nodes** with **chronic sinus formation** are indicative of severe and chronic infections such as **tuberculosis (scrofula)** or deep fungal infections, or conditions like **cat-scratch disease** in some cases. - These aggressive features are not consistent with the typical presentation of primary syphilis. [Practice more Dermatology PYQs on OnCourse]

Question

The characteristic features of inguinal lymph nodes associated with a primary syphilitic lesion of the vulva are

Accepted Answer

Firm, shotty, painless nodes that do not suppurate

Answer

Painful, tender nodes which become matted together to form an abscess

Answer

Non-suppurative tender enlarged nodes

Answer

Painful inflamed nodes which undergo necrosis and develop a chronic sinus

UPSC-CMS 2012 — Dermatology