Cervical Cancer at a Young Age: Considering Fanconi Anemia as Part of the Clinical Workup

Abstract

Background: Fanconi Anemia is a rare condition that carries an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the head, neck and cervix due to mutations in DNA repair pathways. These same mutations may also be associated with intrinsic treatment resistance (FANCD2) and hypersensitivity (FANCA). Case: A 22-year-old woman with a history of anemia who presented with rapid progression to squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. She developed aplastic anemia during chemoradiation and was subsequently diagnosed with Fanconi Anemia. Conclusion: Rare conditions such as Fanconi Anemia should be considered when the clinical course varies significantly from the norm. Consultations with hematology and genetics may elucidate other possible contributing factors. HPV vaccination remains an underutilized method for primary prevention of cervical cancer and should be promoted among eligible populations.