The invention relates to a system (10) for enabling generation of photoacoustic images, comprising a light source (3) arranged to generate pulsed or modulated light having a wavelength in the range of 200 - 2500 nm, a biopsy needle having a needle body (4) with a distal portion (4a), the needle body being provided with an optical fiber (5) having a distal portion (5a) and adapted to conduct the light from the light source (3) via the distal portion (5a) towards a target region (2) located inside a patient (1). Photoacoustic signals (7) generated in the target region (2) are advantageously intercepted by a suitable detector, such as a per se known ultrasonic probe (6). The ultrasonic probe (6) may be connected to a data processing system (8) for visualizing suitable images (9a) on a display (9). The invention further relates to a method of generating photoacoustic images and to a biopsy needle.
