AIM:To investigate the clinical utility of CT and MRI for lacrimal mixed tumor. METHODS:Seventeen patients with lacrimal mixed tumor identified pathologically,who accepted CT or MRI inspection before the surgery,were analysed. RESULTS:The follow-up periods ranged from 6 months to 10 years.14 cases had no recurrence,and 3(18%) cases had recurrences.Of the cases with recurrences,1 case had not accepted CT or MRI inspection before the surgery in other hospital. CONCLUSION:CT and MRI have the accurate localization and the qualitative diagnosis value to the lacrimal mixed tumor.They also have important guiding meaning in the operative approach choice,the surgery design and the technique preparation.They have important meaning in instructing to completely remove the tumor in its capsule in the initial surgery and reducing the rate of recurrence.