For insight, 0perative resection of the myxoma is the treatment of choice. The surgery is safe, with an early postoperative mortality of 2.2%. Some authorities believe resection should be performed immediately after the diagnosis is made. Surgery for sporadic atrial myxoma is usually curative. Long-term prognosis is excellent. In a series of 112 patients, only 4 deaths occurred over a median follow-up of 3 years. The recurrence rate is 1-5%. Recurrence after 4 years is uncommon. The recurrence rate of familial patients is 20%.
Recurrence is usually attributed to incomplete excision of the tumor, growth from a second focus, or intracardiac implantation from the primary tumor.