VILNIUS, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Lithuania's Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis confirmed on Wednesday that he had been diagnosed with lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, therefore needs to undergo treatment in the upcoming months.
"The diagnosis has been confirmed. It is lymphoma, at first stage. It is not yet spread and treatment is being applied," Skvernelis told the reporters.
According to the head of government, he is being treated by chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The first cycle of treatment is already completed, while other cycles should be implemented in September and October.
"Following the treatment, the doctors expect full recovery, I hope so too. Thank you all for your support, understanding, and your subtlety," said Skvernelis.
He said the illness was discovered during preventive health check-up, while the diagnosis was confirmed after surgery more than two weeks ago.
Skvernelis underlined that he was feeling "very well".
Earlier this week, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda signed a decree allowing Skvernelis to be on sick leave until early October. The decree provides the possibility of getting sick leave during the period until Oct. 4, however Skvernelis stated that he will try to continue his work "as much as possible".
According to the presidential decree, Minister of Energy Zygimantas Vaiciunas will stand in for Skvernelis during the PM's period of incapacity from Aug. 26 to Oct. 4.
