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Special Issue Introduction

The widespread use of imaging techniques - such as ultrasonography, CT scan, and MRI - has led to a
significant increase in the detection of small renal masses. A proportion of these are renal cell carcinomas,
and kidney cancer currently accounts for approximately 4% of adult cancers.

The management of these small renal masses, often referred to as incidentalomas, remains an area of
ongoing debate and uncertainty. Among the available options, active surveillance has come more and more
into the picture, certainly after diagnostic biopsies of small renal masses were demonstrated to be feasible,
safe, and reliable. In older patients or those with significant comorbidities, active surveillance is a justified
approach - not only for lesions that appear benign on imaging, but also for small, low-grade renal cell
carcinomas.

Meanwhile, active treatment options have also evolved considerably. Over the years, we have witnessed
significant progress in surgical technology. While open partial nephrectomy was once the standard approach
for both small and larger renal tumors, the advent of minimally invasive surgical approaches - especially
laparoscopic and robot-assisted procedures - has offered substantial benefits, including reduced postoperative
morbidity, shorter hospital stays, and minimal postoperative pain and discomfort. Today, robot-assisted
partial nephrectomy has become the preferred technique, with published case series suggesting that even
larger and more complex tumors can be managed without resorting to open surgery.

Despite these advancements, several challenges remain. The goal of this book is to explore and provide
further insight into some of these persistent issues in the management of small renal masses.

Benefits

Open Access: The full-text of each published article can be accessed and downloaded from the journal
website for free. The copyright is owned by all authors.

Rigorous Peer Review: We strictly follow international guidelines (COPE Ethical Guidelines for Peer
Reviewers) and ensure a rigorous peer review process.

Wide Promotion: The full text of each published article is promoted and widely disseminated across the
internet, conferences, and academic social media.

Various Academic Events: We organize various academic activities such as special interviews, article-
sharing seminars, and free webinars for authors of the Special Issue.

Best Article Award: Original Articles published are entitled to win the “Best Article Award” if they receive
more than 4 citations within a year. A Certificate and a Bonus will be awarded.