The following statements about Fanconi&;s anaemia are true except
**Core Concept**
Fanconi anaemia is a rare, inherited disorder characterized by congenital abnormalities, bone marrow failure, and an increased risk of malignancies. It is caused by mutations in the Fanconi anaemia complementation group genes, which are essential for maintaining genomic stability and preventing chromosomal instability.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Fanconi anaemia is associated with congenital malformations, such as microcephaly, radial ray abnormalities, and heart defects, due to the failure of DNA repair mechanisms during embryonic development. The disease is also characterized by bone marrow failure, leading to aplastic anaemia, leukaemia, or other haematological malignancies. The genetic defects underlying Fanconi anaemia impair the function of the Fanconi anaemia pathway, which is crucial for repairing interstrand DNA crosslinks.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Fanconi anaemia is not primarily associated with an increased risk of solid tumours, as it is more commonly linked to haematological malignancies.
**Option B:** Fanconi anaemia is indeed characterized by an increased risk of malignancies, including leukaemia and other haematological cancers, making this statement true.
**Option C:** Fanconi anaemia is not typically associated with an increased risk of autoimmune disorders, making this statement false.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Fanconi anaemia is a rare, but devastating disorder that highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and management of congenital abnormalities and haematological malignancies.
**Correct Answer:** C.