What are the layers of the epidermis and how do they relate to the types of skin cancers?
The epidermis is the top layer of skin (the lower layer is the dermis) and is comprised of these sections: Stratum corneum. Dense protein layer made up of keratin. This layer will shed on a daily basis. Granular layer. This layer moves the dead keratin cells to the surface of the epidermis. Squamous cell layer. This layer produces keratin for the stratum corneum and also transports water. Blisters originate in the squamous cell layer. Basal cell layer. The lowest layer of the epidermis, the basal cell layer is where skin cells originate and where the cells that produce melanin, or skin pigment, reside. Malignant melanoma and basal cell carcinomas arise from the cells in the epidermis’ basal layer.
