Prognosis and duration

Localised disease

Rarely, needs may be identified due to chemotherapy related side effects which are expected to last for up to 6 months and a time limited award is recommended to cover this period.

Speech problems

There are likely to be severe difficulties with communication for anyone having surgery to remove part of or the entire larynx. For some these difficulties will persist. If surgery was less than eighteen months ago some improvement in communication is likely and a time limited award is recommended. If surgery was more than eighteen months ago and there are still needs related to communication a life award is recommended.

Tracheostomy care

When a person has other medical problems which are not expected to improve – perhaps restricted movement of the upper limbs or dexterity of the hands and is unable to self care for their stoma within a few months of surgery a life award is recommended. Similarly a person who is unable to cough and clear their stoma or who requires suction by a carer for blockages or to remove mucus to facilitate breathing more than a few months after surgery is likely to have ongoing needs and a life award is recommended.

Advanced or Metastatic Cancer

Life awards are recommended.

All information must be taken into account when considering the duration of disabling effects and the duration of disabling effects must be based on the particular circumstances of the individual claimant.

Amended November 2008