Which of the following best describes a characteristic of tertiary syphilis?

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Tertiary syphilis is characterized primarily by the development of destructive granulomas known as gummas. These lesions can occur in various organs and tissues, including the skin, liver, and bones, usually manifesting years after the initial syphilis infection is not treated effectively. Gummas can be painful and may lead to significant tissue damage, which differentiates tertiary syphilis from earlier stages of the disease.

While rashes can be present in secondary syphilis, they are not typically associated with the tertiary stage, which is more focused on severe systemic complications. Swollen lymph nodes, another symptom that may appear during the earlier stages (primary and secondary), also do not define tertiary syphilis. Severe headaches could be a symptom of neurosyphilis, a complication of tertiary syphilis when the central nervous system is involved, but they are not a defining characteristic of the stage as a whole. Therefore, the presence of gummas is the hallmark feature that signifies tertiary syphilis, making it the most appropriate choice.