Lloyd Blankfein, the CEO of Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. said in a statement that he is suffering from lymphoma, a form of blood cancer.
He still expects, though, to work substantially as normal in leading the firm.
Blankfein said in the statement that he underwent a "series of tests" after feeling ill for several weeks late this summer.
"After the biopsy, I was told by my doctors that I have lymphoma," he said. "Fortunately, my form of lymphoma is highly curable and my doctors' and my own expectation is that I will be cured."
Blankfein adds in the statement that his doctors said he could work while he is being treated over the next several months.
"My treatment plan will include chemotherapy over the next several months in New York," he said. "My doctors have advised me that during the treatment, I will be able to work substantially as normal, leading the firm."
The Wall Street Journal adds that the announcement has highlighted an issue that Blankfein and Goldman's board of directors are uncomfortable to address in public.
The company has been unable to properly address the succession plan that Goldman has.
The likely choice for Blankfein's successor if needed in the near term in Goldman would be Gary Cohn, the president and COO of the company, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Cohn has been Blankfein's top deputy throughout his leadership in Goldman.
The Wall Street Journal adds, though, that Blankfein has never given any probable date on when he will possibly retire.
Friends and colleagues have also noted that Blankfein hasn't shown any desire to step down anytime soon.
Blankfein said in the statement that he still has "a lot of energy" in him and is "anxious to begin the treatment" as he gets strength from people who have dealt with cancer before.
"There are many people who are dealing with cancer every day," he said. "I draw on their experiences as I begin my own."
