What type of tumor is an atrial myxoma?

An atrial myxoma is classified as a rare and benign tumor. These tumors are non-cancerous growths that typically arise in the heart, most commonly found in the left atrium. They are not malignant, meaning they do not invade surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Although atrial myxomas can cause significant health issues due to obstruction of blood flow or embolization of fragments, their benign nature implies that they do not possess the characteristics typically associated with cancer, such as uncontrolled growth or metastasis.

Atrial myxomas are also considered rare because, while they account for most primary cardiac tumors in adults, they are still uncommon when compared to other lesions or conditions affecting the heart. The understanding of their benign nature is crucial for treatment decisions, as surgical removal often leads to a good prognosis without a necessity for further aggressive treatment typically required for malignant tumors.