Legendary Spanish Singer Raphael Diagnosed with Brain Cancer

The family of iconic Spanish singer Raphael, whose real name is Miguel Rafael Martos Sánchez, has revealed the cause of the health scare that left him unable to speak shortly before Christmas.

He has been diagnosed with primary brain lymphoma, a rare form of brain cancer. Raphael, 81, is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Latin and Spanish music.

The news raised the alarms among Latin music lovers, particularly the fans of powerful ballads who consider Raphael among the best. Born on May 5, 1943, in Linares, Spain, he is known for his powerful voice, dramatic performances, and iconic hits such as "Yo soy aquel" and "Escándalo."

His career, spanning over six decades, includes more than 60 albums, films, and international tours. Nicknamed "El Divo de Linares," he has received multiple awards and recognitions, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Raphael's Diagnosis

According to the medical report, which was approved for release by the Martos family, the artist "presents primary brain lymphoma with two brain nodules in the left hemisphere that explain the neurological symptoms he experienced a few days ago."

The statement, released by the EFE news agency, added that "specific treatment for this condition has been initiated during his hospital stay and will continue on an outpatient basis. For this reason, he is expected to be discharged in the coming days."

After canceling last week's concerts at the WinZik Center in Madrid, it was announced that the rest of the 'Victoria' tour dates, scheduled for 2025, have been postponed indefinitely. These dates included shows in Miami, New York, and Washington DC, in the United States, as well as performances in the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and Mexico.

"With hopes for a speedy recovery, Raphael is confident that he will be able to resume his schedule and reconnect with his audience soon," reads a statement regarding the developments.

What is Primary Brain Lymphoma?

According to the U.S. National Cancer Institute, "Primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma is a disease in which malignant cells (cancer) form in the lymphatic tissue of the brain or spinal cord." In Raphael's case, the cancer is located in the brain, which includes all the organs within the skull—commonly referred to as the brain but technically consisting of three components.

Treatment for primary brain lymphoma may include:

Whole-brain radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy.
Targeted therapy alone (rituximab, nivolumab, or ibrutinib).
Targeted therapy (rituximab) combined with chemotherapy.
High-dose chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplant.
Participation in clinical trials with high-dose chemotherapy followed by whole-brain radiation, stem cell transplant, or targeted therapy.
Participation in clinical trials combining chemotherapy with or without stem cell transplant.
Participation in clinical trials with targeted therapy (rituximab and ibrutinib) and chemotherapy.

Raphael's Prognosis

Raphael is currently hospitalized at the 12 de Octubre University Hospital in Madrid, one of the most advanced medical research centers in Europe. He was admitted there one day after December 17, when he experienced speech problems during the recording of TVE's Christmas program 'La Revuelta.'

Jacobo Martos, the artist's son and business manager, stated before Christmas that they expected Raphael to be discharged on Friday, December 27.