|
Leukemia
Leukemia
is a malignancy of the blood system in which the bone marrow produces vast quantities
of immature white cells called "blasts." The blasts can proliferate
rapidly and suppress the development of healthy blood cells needed for effective
functioning of the patient's body. If untreated, leukemia results in uncontrollable
infections and bleeding, and death. The type of leukemia that FA patients are
likely to develop, AML, is a particularly aggressive type, usually found in older
people. AML is difficult to treat successfully, especially in FA patients, who
are very sensitive to the toxic drugs used to suppress the leukemia. |
|
Other
Cancers
Fanconi
anemia patients have an extremely high risk of developing squamous cell cancers
in areas of the body in which cells normally reproduce rapidly, such as the oral
cavity, esophagus, the gastrointestinal tract, the anus and vulva. FA patients
may develop these cancers at a much earlier age than people without Fanconi anemia.
Patients who have had a successful bone marrow transplant and, thus, are cured
of the blood problems associated with FA, still must have regular examinations
to watch for signs of cancer. |
