A system for characterization of a brain tissue sample includes a laser having an excitation fiber and a probe coupled to the excitation fiber for irradiating the brain tissue sample with light at an excitation wavelength. The probe further includes a plurality of return fibers for receiving light scattered from the brain tissue sample, wherein each return fiber includes a microfilter that permits light to pass for a different, spaced apart marker region. A Raman spectrometer is in communication with the plurality of return fibers, and a processor is in communication with the Raman spectrometer for analyzing Raman spectra within the marker regions to identify a tissue type of the brain tissue sample as one of normal white matter brain tissue, normal grey matter brain tissue, brain tumor tissue, infiltrating tumor tissue, and necrotic tissue.