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QUINCY, ILL. -- Illinois Sen. John Sullivan announced his temporary leave from office, Sunday afternoon.

Sullivan said he will undergo surgery this week to remove a small cancer growth from his lower abdomen. Recovery is expected to take two to three weeks, during which time he will step away from his full-time duties as senator.

Sullivan announced he has liposarcoma, a treatable form of cancer. Liposarcoma is a tumor that arises from fat tissue and often occurs in the thigh, behind the knee, or in the abdomen.

"Four years ago, I had a small growth removed from my lower abdomen through an outpatient procedure. Since then, I’ve been getting regular check-ups. Recently, my doctor observed a local recurrence. They have advised me that the best treatment is to have it removed in its entirety," Sullivan said.

Sullivan said he and his doctors are confident that he will make a full recovery and will return to his full-time duties in early September. Sullivan will have his surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.

"Obviously this is a very personal issue. However, I’ve worked hard throughout my tenure in office to be upfront with my constituents, and in that spirit wanted the public to know about this situation," Sullivan said.

While away, the senator's legislative staff in Quincy, Macomb and Springfield will remain active. State Representatives Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) and Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) have offered their assistance in the event of urgent legislative business.