[Malignant tumours of the external auditory canal and of the middle ear]. / Tumores malignos del conducto auditivo externo y oído medio.

OBJECTIVES: To review our experience and results in the treatment of a low incidence pathology such as the malignant ear tumors. METHODS: The study reviewed 36 patients with malignant tumors of the EAC and middle ear treated between 1977 and 2000 in our hospital, excluding cancer of the pinna, metastatic tumours and sarcomas. It was used the staging system proposed by the M.D. Anderson. RESULTS: The most common histological type in our series is the squamous cell carcinoma, and the otorrhea and pain are the primary symptoms in 100% of patients. Surgery combined with radiotherapy obtained a 41% 5-year survival rate. CONCLUSIONS: The staging system is an important prognostic factor and it is important an early diagnosis to achieve a better therapeutical result.