Print We're welcoming patients at Mayo Clinic See our safety precautions in response to COVID-19. Request an appointment. OverviewCholine C-11 PET scan is an imaging test used to help detect sites of prostate cancer that has returned despite treatment (recurrent prostate cancer). It may be used when other imaging hasn't been helpful. Choline C-11 PET scan is a positron emission tomography (PET) scan that uses a special chemical tracer called Choline C-11 Injection. A low-dose computerized tomography (CT) scan is usually done at the same time to help further show internal anatomy. Choline C-11 PET scan may help doctors detect possible sites of recurrent prostate cancer that more-conventional imaging tests can't identify. Locating recurrent prostate cancer sooner may allow your doctor to identify small, isolated deposits of cancer — within the prostate and outside of the prostate — that can be targeted for more-effective treatment. Choline C-11 PET scan uses a radioactive form of the vitamin choline. A small amount of the tracer is injected into a vein in your arm just before the scan is done. Prostate cancer cells in your body readily absorb the tracer. This can help doctors detect areas of prostate cancer cells throughout your body. A biopsy to remove some cells for lab testing is then done to confirm the presence of recurrent prostate cancer.Products & ServicesBook: Mayo Clinic Essential Guide to Prostate HealthBook: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th EditionNewsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital EditionShow more products from Mayo Clinic By Mayo Clinic Staff Choline C-11 PET scan care at Mayo Clinic Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Doctors & Departments Nov. 03, 2020 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter Show references Choline C-11 Injection (prescribing information). Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Clinic PET Radiochemistry Facility; 2012. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=203155. Accessed Dec. 3, 2018. Prostate cancer. Plymouth Meeting, Pa.: National Comprehensive Cancer Network. https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/f_guidelines.asp. Accessed Dec. 3, 2018. Evans JD, et al. Prostate cancer-specific PET radiotracers: A review on the clinical utility in recurrent disease. Practical Radiation Oncology. 2018;8:28. Murphy RC, et al. The utility of 11C-choline PET/CT for imaging prostate cancer: A pictorial guide. American Journal of Roentgenology. 2011;196:1390. Related Infographic: Prostate Cancer: Choline c-11 Prostate cancer Products & Services Book: Mayo Clinic Essential Guide to Prostate Health Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., has been recognized as the top Urology hospital in the nation for 2020-2021 by U.S. News & World Report. Learn more about this top honor Choline C-11 PET scanAboutDoctors & DepartmentsCare at Mayo Clinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Marketplace Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. FREE book offer – Mayo Clinic Health LetterThe Mayo Clinic Diabetes DietMayo Clinic on Digestive HealthNEW – Mayo Clinic Guide to ArthritisNew Year Special - 40% off – Mayo Clinic Diet Online PRC-20155328 Patient Care & Health Information Tests & Procedures Choline C-11 PET scan