Small bowel tumors make up 28 percent of all carcinoids. Conservative local excision is sufficient for tumors less than 1/2 in. (1 cm) in diameter. For larger tumors, a wedge of the tissues supporting the bowel (mesentery) containing the regional lymph nodes should also be removed.
Anyone with a tumor larger than 3/4 in. (2 cm) should be followed closely for a minimum of 10 years. The follow-up program should include an annual CT scan of the abdomen and annual or semiannual measurements of urinary 5-HIAA levels.
