What type of intracranial malignant tumor is capable of crossing both hemispheres of the brain?

Glioblastoma multiforme is an aggressive type of brain tumor that originates from the glial cells, specifically astrocytes, and is known for its highly infiltrative nature. This infiltration means that the tumor can extend across the cerebral hemispheres, making it capable of bridging both sides of the brain. This characteristic contributes to the challenges in both diagnosis and treatment, as the tumor does not form a well-defined mass but rather infiltrates surrounding brain tissue.

In contrast, other tumors listed typically do not exhibit this level of cross-hemisphere infiltration. For example, meningiomas usually arise from the meninges and often do not invade the brain parenchyma to such an extent that they would cross hemispheres. Oligodendrogliomas, while also infiltrative, generally have a more localized growth pattern and do not typically cross hemispheric boundaries like glioblastomas. Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors are more common in children and usually present in a localized fashion, primarily in the posterior fossa or cerebral hemispheres but not crossing expansive areas across both hemispheres.

The unique capacity of glioblastoma multiforme to involve large areas of brain tissue, including both hemispheres, is a critical aspect of its pathology