Condyloma lata is characterized by which description?

• A. Cauliflower-like plaque - secondary manifestation of syphilis
• B. A hard, crumbly lesion with a dry crust
• C. A circular patch with itching
• D. A purulent ulcer on the genitals

Answer: (A)

Condyloma lata appear during secondary syphilis and are described as broad-based, flat, moist plaques that can occur in warm, moist areas such as the genitals. They are grayish-white and highly infectious because they contain treponemes. The phrase “cauliflower-like plaque” can be used to convey a wart-like, plaque-form lesion, but the key point is that this is a secondary syphilis manifestation. The other options describe lesions more typical of primary syphilis (a hard chancre), fungal or inflammatory patches (itching circular patches), or bacterial ulcers (purulent ulcers), which do not fit condyloma lata.