Earwax is ushering in a new era in health diagnostics
Earwax can provide important information about the body's health status and may open new paths in the diagnosis of diseases.
12punto
Despite its unpleasant appearance, earwax carries information that could revolutionize the field of health. By examining the chemical structure of this waxy substance, scientists are developing new methods that could be used to diagnose many diseases, from cancer to diabetes.
The scientific name for earwax is cerumen, and it is a mixture of secretions from glands in the outer ear canal. This mixture combines with dead skin cells and other body debris to reach its familiar consistency. Although the primary function of earwax is not fully understood, it may keep the ear canal clean and moist, keeping unwanted guests like bacteria and fungi at bay.
A NEW INDICATOR FOR HEALTH
The effects of earwax on health are particularly noteworthy in the diagnosis of genetic and metabolic diseases. For example, rare genetic disorders such as maple syrup urine disease can cause a distinct sweet smell in earwax. This situation makes rapid diagnosis of the disease possible.
Rabi Ann Musah from Louisiana State University says, 'The sweet smell emanating from a newborn baby's ear can indicate the presence of the disease within 12 hours.' Additionally, diseases such as Covid-19 and diabetes can also be detected from earwax.
EARWAX IN CANCER DIAGNOSIS
Researchers in Brazil have developed a new method for cancer diagnosis using data obtained from earwax. This method, called 'cerumenogram,' analyzes volatile organic compounds in earwax samples taken from cancer patients and can predict the presence of cancer with 100 percent accuracy.
Researchers are also investigating whether early signs of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's can be detected from earwax. These studies show that earwax could revolutionize health diagnostics.
NEW MEDICAL APPLICATIONS
Musah states that the chemical structure of earwax needs to be better understood and aims for this substance to be analyzed routinely in hospitals. The oil-based structure of earwax could be a unique specimen for diagnosing diseases related to lipid metabolism disorders.
Prof. Perdita Barran from the University of Manchester supports this view, saying, 'The compounds you find in blood are generally water-soluble. However, earwax is oil-based, and therefore it could be a unique specimen for seeing the first changes that occur in fats.'