What is the recommended treatment for a carcinoid tumor greater than 2 cm?

The recommended treatment for a carcinoid tumor greater than 2 cm is surgical removal, possibly following a radioisotope scan to assess lymph node involvement. As carcinoid tumors are neuroendocrine tumors that can secrete hormones leading to carcinoid syndrome, their size and potential for metastasis significantly influence treatment decisions.

A tumor larger than 2 cm typically indicates a higher risk for metastasis, thus necessitating a more aggressive approach rather than monitoring or medical management alone. A radioisotope scan can help determine if the tumor has spread, guiding surgical intervention to achieve the best outcome by excising the tumor completely, along with any affected lymph nodes.

While other treatments, such as octreotide therapy, could be beneficial for symptom management or in cases where surgery is not feasible, they are not the primary treatment for tumors of this size. Chemotherapy is generally reserved for more aggressive disease or in cases of poorly differentiated neuroendocrine tumors, rather than typical carcinoid tumors. Overall, the focus for carcinoid tumors of this size is on surgical intervention to ensure comprehensive management of potential metastasis.