Chancre: meaning, definitions and examples

medical condition

A chancre is a painless ulcer that appears on the genital area, mouth, or other regions of the body, commonly as a result of syphilis infection. It is typically the first sign of syphilis and usually occurs about three weeks after exposure to the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The chancre usually heals on its own within several weeks but indicates the presence of a sexually transmitted infection that requires medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in managing syphilis effectively to prevent further complications.

lesion, sore, ulcer

Examples of usage

• The doctor diagnosed me with a chancre after I noticed a sore.

• A chancre is often painless and might go unnoticed.

• If untreated, a chancre can lead to later stages of syphilis.