Metaplasia method to differentiate neoplastic or pre-neoplastic lesions.

A method for differentiating metaplasias overexpressing p16 INK4a neoplastic or preneoplastic p16 INK4a overexpressing in biological samples for cytological testing include: a. determining the presence or absence of cells overexpressing p16 INK4a in said biological samples; b. determining the presence or absence of cells expressing E7 gene products of high-risk HPV in said biological samples; c. assessment of the simultaneous presence of cells expressing E7 gene products of high-risk HPV with cells overexpressing p16 INK4a or the presence of cells overexpressing p16 INK4a only; d. wherein, the simultaneous presence of cells expressing E7 gene products of high-risk HPV and p16 INK4a overexpressing cells is indicative of neoplastic or preneoplastic lesion.