Diarrhea is frequently seen in patients who have large amounts of tumor. The exact cause of the diarrhea is unknown but it is thought to be related to production of calcitonin or some other tumor product. More commonly, the diarrhea is controlled by drugs that reduce the muscular or propulsive activity of the intestines. Surgical reduction of tumor mass will sometimes reduce diarrhea. As with diarrhea, episodes or severity of flushing are sometimes reduced with surgical reduction of the tumor mass.
Depression occasionally develops in an MTC patient.
Some patients have had metastatic spread of the tumor and lived healthy and full lives for more than 30 years. During much of this time, few symptoms may manifest related to the tumor other than loose bowels or diarrhea. Many patients with MTC live full and enjoyable lives even with extensive tumor. The information in this overview is provided as a public service. We do not think it appropriate to comment on an individual case without a complete medical evaluation.