A measurement system (1) for characterizing sample tissue (4； 4a, 4b) in a non-invasive way comprises a stimulation device (3； 3a, 3b； 3a, 3c) for thermal stimulation of the sample tissue (4； 4a, 4b), a temperature sensor (2； 2a, 2b) for capturing at least one temperature profile of the sample tissue (4) and a computing unit (11) connected to the temperature sensor (2； 2a, 2b) for processing data delivered by the temperature sensor (2； 2a, 2b). Thermal radiation radiated by the sample tissue (4； 4a, 4b) from at least a measurement area (5) is detectable as a result of the thermal stimulation by the temperature sensor (2； 2a, 2b) during the thermal stimulation of the sample tissue (4； 4a, 4b). The stimulation device comprises a temperature regulating body (3； 3a, 3b； 3a, 3c) which is in continuous contact with the sample tissue (4； 4a, 4b) in a contact area (6) during an entire measurement period. During a measurement period the temperature regulating body (3； 3a, 3b； 3a, 3c) has a different temperature than the sample tissue (4； 4a, 4b).
