The dermatologist's role in diagnosing a rare disease--male breast cancer

After discussing the rarity of male breast carcinoma, I present the case of a 75-year-old white man who, during an office visit for a second opinion regarding his eczema, was found to have breast cancer. (While examining the patient's integument, I found an inverted nipple and a subareolar mass.) I also discuss the need for dermatologists to emphasize to their patients the importance of complete general skin examinations. This case is, I believe, the first case of invasive primary male breast carcinoma to be reported in the dermatologic literature.