Smoking, obesity, and survival in squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva

One hundred thirty-six patients with invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva were studied retrospectively to determine prognostic factors for survival. In the regression analysis, three variables were statistically significantly related to survival: smoking history, tumor size, and node status. Smokers had a 6.3 times greater risk than nonsmokers, node positivity imparted an 8.3 times greater risk than node negativity, and for each 1-cm increase in the size of the tumor, the risk of death increased by 46%. A relative decrease in survival in smokers was observed, despite a younger age and fewer positive nodes at diagnosis compared to nonsmokers. Increased surveillance in these patients may be warranted.