Over the last two decades, several improvements have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of renal carcinoma. In the past, renal cancer was usually discovered after hematuria, pain, or palpation of a lumbar mass, and required total nephrectomy. Today, about 40% of renal tumors are discovered incidentally by ultrasonography or computed tomography. Therefore, the majority of renal carcinomas are discovered at an early stage. Partial nephrectomy has been developed for polar and small tumors. This surgery can now be performed using a laparoscopic approach, thereby decreasing morbidity and shortening the hospital stay.