Squamous cell carcinoma of the external ear can be a potentially lethal lesion. Although it is the most common cancer involving the pinna, the variables that have the greatest impact on prognosis are still in question. We reviewed 75 cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the external ear to determine patterns of occurrence and treatment failure. Forty patients had adequate follow-up for determination of cancer control rates. Local control was successful with initial treatment in 85% of the cases. The incidence of lymph node metastases was 10%, whereas distant metastasis occurred in only one patient (2.5%). This series differs from others in that most patients were unselected and most of the lesions treated were early (less than 1 cm). The significance of positive margins after surgical excision is also analyzed.