carbon C 11-choline PET-CT scan

A procedure in which a small amount of carbon C 11-choline (a radioactive form of the vitamin choline) is injected into a vein. A scanner and a computer are used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body where the carbon C 11-choline collects. Cancer cells take up more carbon C 11-choline than normal cells, so the pictures can be used to find cancer cells in the body. Also called 11C-choline PET-CT scan.