A diagnostic system detects abnormal physical properties of tissue in a patient based upon optical properties of the tissue. A probe includes light delivery and capture fibers, and polarizers. Optical properties detected relate to polarized and unpolarized light into, and scattering from, the tissue. The optical properties detected are processed and analyzed to produce results indicative of the physical property(s) evaluated. System operation is controlled against pressure monitored via a pressure sensor coupled to the probe-tissue interface. The analysis corrects for patient physical characteristics as user inputs, such as menopausal or menstrual condition of women patients. Physical properties diagnosed include cervical dysplasia conditions in women patients, such as HSIL, cervical cancer, LSIL, or cervicitis. Analysis and diagnosis is based upon at least one of: ratios between scattered light signals captured from the tissue, slope of intensity over wavelength for scattered light signals captured, and hemoglobin-related parameters in the tissue.