Primary tumors of the external auditory canal (EAC) are rare, their etiology is uncertain and their prognosis, dim. The most effective therapy combines both surgery and radiotherapy. This study reviews the literature and shows the results from 13 cases, treated between 1981-1991. This series proves a clear prevalence for the epidermoid tumors (10 out of 13) and we call the attention on their poor prognosis even in those tumors confined to EAC. The types of treatment and their complications as well, were reviewed.