[Epidermoid carcinoma of the external auditory canal]

The squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal is extremely rare. The facial paralysis is usual, but pain seems to be the most common symptom. The mean age at diagnosis is 50 to 60 years, with chronic external otitis preceding. The CT-scan is the most important investigation before treatment: surgery and external radiotherapy. Surgical procedure must be large, with or without facial nerve dissection, following by irradiation of the temporal bone and cervical nodes. The generally poor prognosis is explained by the frequency of advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. This paper reports our 4 experiences, with a bilateral carcinoma case.