When it comes to syphilis, T-E-R-T-I-A-R-Y spells the worst

The word "tertiary" is a delightful lexical gem, except when it precedes the word "syphilis," according to an article in the New York Times.

There are three stages of syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease (STD) - primary, secondary and tertiary. Also known as advanced latent or late syphilis, the tertiary stage of the disease entails complications that can be painful, disfiguring and even deadly.

In a story that otherwise celebrates the versatility of the word "tertiary," which literally means "third," the newspaper appended a photo of a cast of the head of a person suffering from late-stage syphilis.

His or her face is heavily distorted by syphilitic growths. The nose is distended and the skull misshapen.

While the early stages of syphilis may present as little more than genital sores and painful urination, without treatment the STD can cause brain and organ damage, paralysis, numbness, dementia, blindness and death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Regular health exams are essential in preventing the spread of syphilis. Individuals concerned that they have contracted it may consider looking into online testing services immediately.

The CDC estimates that over 36,000 cases of syphilis exist in the U.S., including approximately 26,000 instances of tertiary syphilis.