Epidermal inclusion cyst in male nipple: A case report and a brief review of the literature

Epidermal inclusion cysts (EICs) are keratin‑filled nodules that commonly occur on the face, trunk, neck, scalp and extremities; however, their occurrence in the nipple is exceedingly rare. The present case report describes a rare case of a male patient with an EIC located in the nipple. A 29‑year‑old male presented with a 3‑year history of a progressively enlarging left nipple mass associated with pain and intermittent yellowish discharge. A clinical examination revealed a mobile, well‑circumscribed lesion measuring ~10 mm in diameter. Surgical excision was performed, and a histopathological examination confirmed an infected EIC with no evidence of malignancy. In addition, a review of the literature was performed which identified only a limited number of reported cases of nipple EICs, with only one previously documented case involving a male patient. Diagnosis can be challenging due to the rarity of this condition and typically relies on imaging modalities, particularly ultrasonography, with definitive confirmation by histopathological examination. Surgical excision remains the treatment of choice, providing both diagnostic confirmation and complete removal of the lesion while minimizing the risks of recurrence and potential malignant transformation. The present case report highlights the importance of including EICs in the differential diagnosis of nipple lesions in male patients.