Spanish singer Raphael has been diagnosed with primary cerebral lymphoma, a rare tumor affecting the brain. Raphael was hospitalized on December 18 after experiencing symptoms during the filming of a Christmas show, where he faced difficulties with speech. Initially suspected to have suffered a stroke, medical professionals ruled it out and conducted tests, leading to the lymphoma diagnosis.
According to the medical report from Hospital 12 de Octubre in Madrid, Raphael "presents primary cerebral lymphoma with two brain nodules in the left hemisphere, which explain the neurological symptoms he exhibited days earlier." His medical team has recommended prolonged rest during treatment, which has already commenced and will continue on an outpatient basis. Consequently, he is expected to be discharged soon.
Due to his health condition, the 81-year-old singer has canceled his upcoming performances, including shows scheduled for Mexico on March 15, as well as concerts in the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and the United States. Raphael's cancellation affects his Victoria 2025 tour, which he had eagerly anticipated.
Cerebral lymphoma is defined by MedlinePlus as "cancer of the white blood cells starting in the brain," also known as brain lymphoma or primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). The National Cancer Institute adds it is characterized by malignant cells forming in the brain's lymphatic tissue. According to the Cancer Center at the University of Navarra, these tumors originate from lymphocytes—normal blood and lymphatic cells—and their exclusive presence in the brain remains unexplained.
Common symptoms associated with primary cerebral lymphoma can appear insidiously and tend to be nonspecific. Among the most frequent issues are focal neurological deficits, such as loss of strength on one side of the body or language and vision disturbances. Other symptoms may include personality and behavioral changes and increased intracranial pressure, presenting as severe headaches with vomiting and blurred vision.
While the specific treatment plan for Raphael has not been disclosed, primary cerebral lymphomas are diffusive and infiltrative tumors, meaning complete surgical removal is often unnecessary as it doesn't affect prognosis. Surgery is typically reserved for cases needing urgent symptom relief. Treatment usually involves chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which will be adapted according to the individual patient's circumstances.
Medical experts, such as Adrián Alegre, head of Hematology at La Princesa University Hospital, have indicated the prognosis varies significantly depending on the patient's response to treatment. Without intervention, survival rates for those diagnosed with primary cerebral lymphoma frequently fall below six months, yet approximately half of the patients can achieve remission ten years post-diagnosis with chemotherapy. Success can also improve with stem cell transplants.
Raphael's family has been actively supporting him during this challenging period. His son, Jacobo, expressed optimism about the singer's discharge around Christmas, sharing, "We hope for his recovery so he can return to his agenda and connect with his fans soon." Raphael was also recording the Christmas special for TVE's show "La Revuelta" with presenter David Broncano when he began feeling unwell. After requesting to be transferred to Hospital 12 de Octubre, he has remained there since.
Before being hospitalized, Raphael was excited about releasing his 86th studio album, demonstrating his passion for music even during difficult times. The announcement of his health issues has elicited reactions from fans and the music community, all wishing for his swift recovery.
Raphael's management agency, RLM, expressed gratitude to fans for their unwavering support and patience during this distressing time. They emphasized the need for rest and treatment to facilitate the singer's recovery, stating, "We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by the concert cancellations and thank everyone for the unconditional love and support shown to Raphael." With hopes still high for his rapid recuperation, both Raphael and his supporters remain positive about his future performances.
