Types

• The most common ear tumors in dogs include ceruminous gland adenoma (also called adenocarcinoma), sebaceous gland tumor and basal cell tumor, according to Pet Place.
  
  Ceruminous gland adenocarcinoma tumors are rare but are the most common malignant ear tumor that occurs in dogs.
  
  A basal cell tumor is a cancerous, slow-growing tumor that rarely spreads to other parts of the body. These tumors most commonly occur in cocker spaniels and poodles.
  
  Sebaceous gland tumors are common, and they can be either benign or malignant.
  
  

Signs and Symptoms

• During the early stage of tumor growth, your dog often has no symptoms. You or your veterinarian may just happen to find the growth when examining your dog. If you notice a growth in or around your dog's ear, take your dog to the vet for an exam. Symptoms that can occur as the tumor grows include skin changes on the ear, bleeding, odor or discharge from the ear or problems with balance.
  
  

Diagnosis

• To diagnose the type of ear tumor in a dog, the vet may do blood tests or take X-rays or CT scans. Determining whether a tumor is malignant requires a biopsy.
  
  

Treatment

• The treatment for an ear tumor in a dog depends on the type, size and location of the tumor. Surgically removing the tumor is often the treatment of choice. For a malignant tumor that the vet cannot completely remove, your dog may need radiation therapy.
  
  After treatment, follow your vet's instructions for caring for your dog, and contact your vet immediately if your dog has signs of a recurrence. Prognosis for ear tumors in dogs depends on the tumor's type, location and size, and whether the tumor can be completely removed with surgery.
  
  

Considerations

• Growths other than tumors can occur in a dog's ear. Examples include warts, skin tags or hematomas. While many growths are harmless, the only way to know for sure is to check with a veterinarian.