What is a common finding in a patient with primary syphilis?

In cases of primary syphilis, the hallmark finding is the presence of genital chancres. These are sore-like ulcers that appear at the site of infection, typically in the genital area, or can occur in other locations if the infection was acquired through other means, such as oral or anal sex. The chancre usually arises about three weeks after exposure to the bacterium Treponema pallidum, which causes syphilis.

Chancres are typically painless and may go unnoticed initially. They are often accompanied by a regional lymphadenopathy, where the lymph nodes nearby become enlarged and tender due to the immune response to the infection. Understanding the presentation of primary syphilis is crucial, as identifying and treating the chancre early can prevent the progression to secondary stage syphilis, which has more systemic manifestations.

Other findings mentioned in the question relate to later stages of syphilis. For example, palmar rash is associated with secondary syphilis, while gummas are soft, tumor-like growths that develop in late (tertiary) syphilis. Central nervous system lesions are often seen in the tertiary stage as well.