chancre

(shang′kĕr )

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[Fr. chancre, ulcer fr. L. cancer ]
A hard, syphilitic primary ulcer, the first sign of syphilis, appearing approx. 2 to 3 weeks after infection at the site of inoculation.

TYPICAL CHANCRE OF PRIMARY SYPHILIS ; SEE: syphilis
chancrous (shang′krŭs )

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, adj.

SYMPTOMS
The ulcer begins as a painless erosion or papule that ulcerates superficially. It generally occurs alone. It has a scooped-out appearance due to level or sloping edges that are adherent, and a shining red or raw floor. The ulcer heals without leaving a scar. It may appear at almost any site including the mouth, penis, urethra, hand, toe, eyelid, conjunctiva, vagina, or cervix.
SYN: SEE: hard chancre; SEE: hunterian chancre; SEE: true chancre

During the chancre stage, syphilis is highly contagious. The chancre contains many spirochetes.



TYPICAL CHANCRE OF PRIMARY SYPHILIS

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