A probe, method and system for examining tissue in order to differentiate
it from other tissue according to the dielectric properties of the
examined tissue are provided. The probe includes an inner conductor,
having a plurality of sharp, thin, conductive spikes, at a proximal end
with respect to a tissue for examination, the plurality of sharp, thin,
conductive spikes being operative to enhance the electrical fringe
fields, where interaction with the tissue for examination occurs. The
method includes: applying the probe to the tissue to be examined, such
that the probe generates an electrical fringe field in the zone of the
examined tissue and produces a reflected pulse therefrom with negligible
radiation penetrating into the tissue itself; detecting the reflected
electrical pulse; and comparing electrical characteristics of the
reflected electrical pulse with respect to the applied electrical pulse
to provide an indication of the dielectric properties of the examined
tissue.