[2] Gummas are most commonly found in the liver (gumma hepatis), but can also be found in brain, heart, skin, bone, testis, and other tissues, leading to a variety of potential problems including neurological disorders or heart valve disease.

Gummas have a firm, necrotic center surrounded by inflamed tissue, which forms an amorphous proteinaceous mass.

[citation needed] It is restricted to necrosis involving spirochaetal infections that cause syphilis.

[citation needed] The formation of gummata is rare in developed countries, but common in areas that lack adequate medical treatment.

[citation needed] Syphilitic gummas are found in most but not all cases of tertiary syphilis, and can occur either singly or in groups.