A method and
system for characterizing tissue includes a probe connected to a
red LASER source and a Raman spectroscope. The probe includes at least excitation
fiber and one or more emission fibers that connect the probe with the
LASER source and the Raman spectroscope. The excitation
fiber is connected to the
red LASER source and terminates in the first end of the probe adjacent the tip of the probe. The emission fibers are connected to the Raman spectroscope and terminate in the first end of the probe adjacent the tip of the probe. In one embodiment, the excitation
fiber extends through the central portion of the probe and one or more emission fibers are arranged around the excitation fiber. The tip of the probe is intended to come in contact with the tissue to be examined. The tip includes a central opening to allow
red LASER radiation to project out of the end of the red excitation fiber on to the tissue and to permit Raman spectra to enter the emission fiber(s) and travel to the Raman spectroscope. The tip is constructed to have a predefined
focal length to position the first end of the probe a predefined distance from the surface of the tissue being examined. The tip can be removable and tips having different focal lengths can be used to accommodate different types of tissues and examinations. A
detector can convert the Raman spectra into signals and data for analysis by a computer
system. The Raman spectra for tissue in a predefined location can be profiled such that the
system can distinguish between healthy and diseased tissue.