Can a brain tumor cause problems in other parts of the body? (ex: stomach ulcers, sickness) if a brain tumor is present near the optical part of the brain, can it cause problems in the body such as sickness?

A : A brain tumor is a life-changing and potentially life-threatening condition. It shouldn't be surprising that a brain tumor causes stress, both physical and emotional. In a "big picture" way, the response of the body and the mind to the tumor requires a lot of energy and resources. This energy and these resources must be diverted from, or shared with, other important physical functions, like healing stomach ulcers or fighting colds. Depending on the part of the brain, and the type of tumor, the tumor may produce hormones or other chemicals that can make the body sick or less able to fight disease. Treatment of a brain tumor often includes medications like steroids, which can contribute to stomach ulcers and decrease the ability of the body to fight infections; and chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and brain surgery, all of which create their own types of stresses on the body.

Yes and no: The tumor itself does not cause other problems but the side effects of the medicines used in treatment, like steroids, can. Optical tract brain tumors do not usually cause symptoms other than visual disturbances unless they are very large in size.