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Klinefelter syndrome presenting as metastatic bilateral breast cancer: missed diagnostic opportunities

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journal contribution
posted on 2024-09-18, 13:11 authored by Roxana Maria TudorRoxana Maria Tudor, Elsheikh Mohammed Ali, Salman Ullah Khan, John McDermottJohn McDermott

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most common cause of primary hypogonadism in male patients; however, the diagnosis of KS is frequently delayed or missed. This delay can lead to undesirable outcomes for patients, especially considering that individuals with KS have a higher risk of developing specific malignancies, including breast cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and mediastinal germ cell tumours. We present a case of a male patient in his 60s, where the established diagnosis of metastatic bilateral breast cancer prompted us to investigate and subsequently confirm a diagnosis of KS. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of KS and emphasises the unfavourable consequences of a delayed diagnosis. We aim to raise awareness and enhance physicians' understanding of KS and its non-reproductive manifestations, with a view to promote early recognition and improve patient outcomes. 

History

Comments

This article has been accepted for publication in BMJ Case Reports, 2023 following peer review, and the Version of Record can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2023-255703

Published Citation

Tudor RM, Ali EM, Khan SU, McDermott J. Klinefelter syndrome presenting as metastatic bilateral breast cancer: missed diagnostic opportunities. BMJ Case Rep. 2023;16(11):e255703.

Publication Date

15 November 2023

PubMed ID

37967931

Department/Unit

  • Medicine

Publisher

BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.

Version

  • Accepted Version (Postprint)