Why otolaryngologists need to be aware of Fanconi anemia.

Overview

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare disorder inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion, with an estimated incidence of 1:360,000 births. Although hematologic complications are the most common manifestation of this disease, cancers, especially of the head and neck, are also prominent. The chromosomal fragility of patients with FA necessitates careful planning of therapy and monitoring, and awareness of this rare disorder is crucial to recognizing it in the clinic.