Apparatus and methods, which comprise examination of an abnormality on a subject using a temperature stimulus applied to the subject, provide a non-invasive analysis technique. In an embodiment, a non-invasive infrared imaging technique can be used to observe the temporal response of a lesion to temperature stimuli to form a basis for evaluating the abnormality. A technique including applying temperature stimuli and detecting responses to the applied temperature stimuli provide a non-invasive technique that can be used to identify an abnormality on a subject and/or characteristics of the abnormality. In an embodiment, a non-invasive transient infrared imaging technique can be used to observe the temporal response of a lesion to temperature stimuli to form a basis for determining characteristics correlated to the lesion. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.