A method for obtaining a distribution of a stiffness property in tissue includes applying a plurality of loadings to the tissue, obtaining a plurality of two-dimensional (2-D) imaging projections of the tissue from different directions, measuring a force resulting from one of the plurality of loadings, measuring from at least one of the plurality of 2-D imaging projections a displacement of the tissue in response to the force, obtaining an initial set of input parameters for an estimated stiffness property of the tissue, and solving iteratively for the stiffness property using a computer.