The incidental diagnosis

Incidental findings transcend medical practice. Two cases are discussed in which significant conditions were discovered during clinical examination for an unrelated disorder. The first case presents a disease reported for the first time in a male. Recent literature has alluded to missed diagnoses found only at autopsies. With cost constraint as a national theme, the appropriate use of technology presents a challenge to the physician. The cases discussed raise questions about the process of diagnosis. Both situations bring to light the limitations of clinical investigation early in the pathologic process.