Skin Cancer



Dermatology Oncology



Skin Cancer


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Anatomy of the Skin

Anatomy of the skin

Facts about the skin:

The skin is the body''s largest organ, covering the entire body. In addition to serving as a protective shield against heat, light, injury, and infection, the skin also:

regulates body temperature.
stores water and fat.
is a sensory organ.
prevents water loss.
prevents entry of bacteria.

Throughout the body, the skin''s characteristics vary (i.e., thickness, color, texture). For instance, the head contains more hair follicles than anywhere else, while the soles of the feet contain none. In addition, the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands are much thicker.

The skin is made up of the following layers, with each layer performing specific functions:

epidermis
dermis
subcutaneous fat layer

stratum corneum (horny layer)
This layer consists of fully mature keratinocytes which contain fibrous proteins (keratins). The outermost layer is continuously shed. The stratum corneum prevents the entry of most foreign substances as well as the loss of fluid from the body.

keratinocytes (squamous cells)
This layer, just beneath the stratum corneum, contains living keratinocytes (squamous cells), which mature and form the stratum corneum.

basal layer
The basal layer is the deepest layer of the epidermis, containing basal cells. Basal cells continually divide, forming new keratinocytes, replacing the old ones that are shed from the skin''s surface.

The epidermis also contains melanocytes, which are cells that produce melanin (skin pigment).

blood vessels lymph vessels hair follicles sweat glands	collagen bundles fibroblasts nerves
The dermis is held together by a protein called collagen, made by fibroblasts. This layer also contains pain and touch receptors.

Skin Cancer Surveillance and Prevention at Rush

Screening, early detection and prevention of skin cancer are priorities at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Dermatologists, medical oncologists and surgeons examine patients for early signs of malignancy or premalignant lesions. Rush also offers comprehensive care for skin cancer with state-of-the-art treatment and surgical options.

Click below to learn about specific skin cancer programs at Rush:

Finding a specialist at Rush:

To find a dermatologist at Rush click here.

Or make an appointment with a doctor at Rush by calling our toll-free physician referral number:

(888) 352-RUSH.

To reach the hospital operator, call (312) 942-5000. If you have difficulty hearing, call (312) 942-2207 (TTY/TTD).



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