Earwax, the often-overlooked bodily secretion, is gaining attention from scientists for its potential as a diagnostic tool in detecting diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart conditions. Known scientifically as cerumen, earwax is made up of secretions from glands in the outer ear canal mixed with hair, dead skin cells, and other debris. Despite its unappealing nature, recent studies suggest earwax could hold valuable health information.
Earwax is typically formed in the ear canal and slowly moves to the outer ear at a rate of about one 20th of a millimetre per day. While its primary function is believed to be protecting the ear from bacteria, fungi, and insects, it also serves as a unique biomarker for certain health conditions. Research has shown that earwax can reveal clues about a person’s genetic makeup and health status.
For example, people of European or African descent typically have “wet” earwax that is yellow and sticky, while most East Asians have “dry” earwax, which is gray and non-sticky. This difference is linked to a gene called ABCC11, which is also responsible for whether a person has body odour. Although this discovery is fascinating, the more exciting potential lies in earwax’s ability to offer insights into various diseases.
One of the earliest and most significant findings was a study in 1971 that linked “wet” earwax to a higher risk of breast cancer in women of certain ethnicities. However, subsequent studies in countries like Germany and Italy did not confirm the link, and the matter remains controversial. More recently, researchers discovered that compounds found in earwax can indicate the presence of certain diseases, including rare conditions like maple syrup urine disease, where the distinctive smell of maple syrup is present in the earwax of affected individuals. This could allow for an early, simpler diagnosis through earwax analysis.
Researchers are also investigating the link between earwax and chronic conditions like Covid-19 and type 2 diabetes. In addition, scientists have found that earwax may help diagnose Ménière’s disease, a condition affecting the inner ear, by revealing lower levels of specific fatty acids.
The real promise lies in using earwax for cancer detection. In a groundbreaking 2019 study, researchers found 27 chemical compounds in earwax that could serve as a “fingerprint” for diagnosing cancer, including lymphoma and leukemia. This technique, known as a “cerumenogram,” could potentially detect pre-cancerous conditions, offering a non-invasive and highly accurate way to diagnose cancer early.
Experts believe earwax’s ability to reflect the body’s metabolic processes makes it an ideal candidate for diagnosing a range of conditions. The lipid-rich nature of earwax allows it to store metabolic markers that may be missed in other fluids like blood and urine.
While more research is needed, scientists are optimistic that in the future, earwax could be routinely analyzed in medical settings to diagnose diseases, providing a simple, cost-effective alternative to more invasive tests. This could revolutionize the way we approach early disease detection, making it as easy as a routine ear examination.
