Preface

Kidney cancer is the sixth most common malignant disease in men and the tenth most common in women. It accounts for 5% of male and 3% of female malignancies. With the development and improvement of new techniques, updated knowledge and information are essential for the management of renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

In the past decade, the use of improved diagnostic methods such as ultrasound, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET)/CT scan has significantly increased the detection rate of RCC. Additionally, robotic platforms with the integration of imaging approaches have been adopted in RCC surgery, which has transformed the paradigm in the surgical treatment of RCC and will continue to change it in the future. With the use of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy in RCC surgery, urologists can maximize functional and oncologic outcomes in nephron preservation and complication-free recovery. For advanced or metastatic RCC, the progress in targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and combination therapy has been improving patient survival outcomes. For these reasons, the mortality of RCC has been decreasing although its incidence is increasing.

With international experts sharing their experience, knowledge, and review, this book provides updated information on the epidemiology, genetics, diagnosis, screening, and advances in treatment and management of RCC to treating physicians as well as their patients. The book is also a useful resource for researchers in the field.

I would like to give my sincere thanks to all the contributing authors as well as the team at IntechOpen, especially Author Service Manager Ms. Martina Scerbe and Publishing Process Manager Ms. Paula Gavran. Without their support, dedication, and effort, this book would not have been possible.

> **Jindong Chen** Chief Technology Officer, Exploring Health, LLC Guangzhou, China

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Section 1

Diagnosis of Renal Cell

Carcinoma

Section 1
