The clinical use of computerized tomography (CT) in 39 cases of orbital tumors is analysed. The computer-tomographical, ophthalmological and histological findings were compared. CT was found to be valuable in outlining the tumor itself and its extension to neighboring structures. This will help the surgeon to decide on the optimal approach. In most of the cases a preoperative decision was possible as to whether a combined surgical procedure of ophthalmologists together with otolaryngologists, oral surgeons and neurosurgeons was necessary or not. In general, CT alone offers only limited possibilities in the differential diagnosis of orbital tumors.