Abstract: A method of mapping a tissue characteristic in a tissue sample comprises gathering infrared absorption data from the sample at selected wavelengths, and determining, from the infrared absorption data, a first measure of the amount of power or energy absorbed attributable to an amide moiety and a second measure of the amount of power or energy absorbed attributable to a phosphate moiety. A ratio of the first measure and the second measure is used to establish a histological index. The histological index may be used to indicate a malignancy grade of tumour in the tissue.