| Medullary carcinomas can produce high concentrations of various chemical secretions (serotonin, prostaglandins, calcitonin, histamine, vasoactive peptide) that affect the circulatory system. Typically, an individual will exhibit flushing and diarrhea in response to these factors. Anaplastic cancer grows very rapidly and can lead to difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), breathing (dyspnea), and speaking (dysphonia). Metastasis into nodes and distant organs occurs in most of cases of anaplastic cancer. Anaplastic cancer tumors may become large enough to obstruct one of the major vessels (superior vena cava) that return blood to the heart. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor