Therapeutic challenges of recurrent oral squamous cell carcinomas in fanconi anemia: a case report

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare, inherited recessive syndrome characterized by progressive bone marrow failure and a predisposition to developing malignant neoplasms. A male patient diagnosed with Fanconi anemia underwent a haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) at 10 years of age. Eleven years later, he developed his first malignant lesion on the lower lip. Unfortunately, the patient experienced rapid recurrences of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), initially in the oral cavity, with subsequent progression to the maxillary sinus, sphenoid wing, and right orbital floor. The aggressive nature of the disease, coupled with limited treatment options, ultimately led to a poor prognosis and the patient subsequently passed away. This case underscores the severity of Fanconi anemia, demonstrated by the emergence of multiple lesions in diverse locations and their rapid progression in a young patient. It highlights the complexity and significant challenges in managing malignant lesions in patients with FA.