During a physical examination, the doctor will look for skin sores that occur during the primary and secondary stages of syphilis. The doctor will look at the external genitals, the end of the urethra, the anus, the mouth, and other areas of the body that may have abnormal skin sores.

If sores are present that resemble the usually painless open sores characteristic of syphilis (chancres), further testing is needed.

Evaluations of the heart, brain, lymph nodes, and abdomen may also be done.