Discussing serious health conditions like bile duct cancer requires specific and accurate terminology, especially when communicating with medical professionals in Korea. This guide provides the essential Korean vocabulary and phrases related to “담도암” (dam-do-am), bile duct cancer, covering diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, and related medical terms to facilitate clearer communication in healthcare settings.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
- Expression: 담도암
Pronunciation: dam-do-am
Meaning: Bile duct cancer (담도 = bile duct, 암 = cancer)
Related Medical Terms
This section covers essential vocabulary related to bile duct cancer and associated medical concepts.
- Expression: 담도 (담관)
Pronunciation: dam-do (dam-gwan)
Meaning: Bile duct - Expression: 간
Pronunciation: gan
Meaning: Liver - Expression: 담낭 (쓸개)
Pronunciation: dam-nang (sseul-ge)
Meaning: Gallbladder - Expression: 췌장
Pronunciation: chwe-jang
Meaning: Pancreas - Expression: 황달
Pronunciation: hwang-dal
Meaning: Jaundice - Expression: 복통
Pronunciation: bok-tong
Meaning: Abdominal pain - Expression: 체중 감소
Pronunciation: che-jung gam-so
Meaning: Weight loss - Expression: 식욕 부진
Pronunciation: sik-yok bu-jin
Meaning: Loss of appetite - Expression: 종양
Pronunciation: jong-yang
Meaning: Tumor - Expression: 전이
Pronunciation: jeon-i
Meaning: Metastasis - Expression: 조직 검사
Pronunciation: jo-jik geom-sa
Meaning: Biopsy - Expression: 영상 검사
Pronunciation: yeong-sang geom-sa
Meaning: Imaging test (like CT, MRI)
Asking Questions at the Hospital
Use these phrases to ask for information from doctors or medical staff.
- Expression: 담도암이 맞나요?
Pronunciation: dam-do-am-i mat-na-yo?
Meaning: Is it confirmed as bile duct cancer? - Expression: 암의 병기가 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: am-ui byeong-gi-ga eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What is the stage of the cancer? - Expression: 어떤 검사가 필요한가요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon geom-sa-ga pil-yo-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: What kind of tests are needed? - Expression: 검사 결과는 언제 나오나요?
Pronunciation: geom-sa gyeol-gwa-neun eon-je na-o-na-yo?
Meaning: When will the test results be available? - Expression: 치료 방법은 무엇이 있나요?
Pronunciation: chi-ryo bang-beob-eun mu-eos-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: What are the treatment options? - Expression: 수술이 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: su-sur-i ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is surgery possible? - Expression: 항암 치료를 받아야 하나요?
Pronunciation: hang-am chi-ryo-reul bad-a-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Do I need to receive chemotherapy? - Expression: 방사선 치료는 어떤가요?
Pronunciation: bang-sa-seon chi-ryo-neun eo-tteon-ga-yo?
Meaning: What about radiation therapy? - Expression: 부작용은 무엇이 있나요?
Pronunciation: bu-jak-yong-eun mu-eos-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: What are the side effects? - Expression: 예후는 어떤가요?
Pronunciation: ye-hu-neun eo-tteon-ga-yo?
Meaning: What is the prognosis? - Expression: 다른 병원으로 옮길 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: da-reun byeong-won-eu-ro om-gil su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Can I transfer to another hospital? - Expression: 입원해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: ib-won-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Do I need to be hospitalized?
Discussing Symptoms
Clearly describing symptoms is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
- Expression: 배가 계속 아파요.
Pronunciation: bae-ga gye-sok a-pa-yo.
Meaning: My abdomen hurts continuously. - Expression: 피부와 눈이 노랗게 변했어요. (황달)
Pronunciation: pi-bu-wa nun-i no-ra-ke byeon-haess-eo-yo. (hwang-dal)
Meaning: My skin and eyes have turned yellow. (Jaundice) - Expression: 소변 색깔이 진해졌어요.
Pronunciation: so-byeon saek-kkal-i jin-hae-jyeoss-eo-yo.
Meaning: My urine color has become dark. - Expression: 대변 색깔이 하얗게 변했어요.
Pronunciation: dae-byeon saek-kkal-i ha-ya-ke byeon-haess-eo-yo.
Meaning: My stool color has become pale/white. - Expression: 몸이 너무 가려워요.
Pronunciation: mom-i neo-mu ga-ryeo-wo-yo.
Meaning: My body is very itchy. - Expression: 이유 없이 체중이 줄었어요.
Pronunciation: i-yu eobs-i che-jung-i jur-eoss-eo-yo.
Meaning: I’ve lost weight for no reason. - Expression: 밥맛이 전혀 없어요. (식욕 부진)
Pronunciation: bap-mat-i jeon-hyeo eobs-eo-yo. (sik-yok bu-jin)
Meaning: I have no appetite at all. (Loss of appetite) - Expression: 너무 피곤해요.
Pronunciation: neo-mu pi-gon-hae-yo.
Meaning: I feel extremely tired. - Expression: 열이 나요.
Pronunciation: yeor-i na-yo.
Meaning: I have a fever. - Expression: 오한이 있어요.
Pronunciation: o-han-i iss-eo-yo.
Meaning: I have chills. - Expression: 속이 메스꺼워요.
Pronunciation: sok-i me-seu-kkeo-wo-yo.
Meaning: I feel nauseous. - Expression: 구토를 했어요.
Pronunciation: gu-to-reul haess-eo-yo.
Meaning: I vomited.
Understanding Treatment Options
These phrases help in discussing and understanding different treatment approaches.
- Expression: 수술로 암을 제거할 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: su-sul-lo am-eul je-geo-hal su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Can the cancer be removed with surgery? - Expression: 수술 후 회복 기간은 얼마나 걸리나요?
Pronunciation: su-sul hu hoe-bok gi-gan-eun eol-ma-na geol-li-na-yo?
Meaning: How long is the recovery period after surgery? - Expression: 항암 치료는 몇 번 받아야 하나요?
Pronunciation: hang-am chi-ryo-neun myeot beon bad-a-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: How many sessions of chemotherapy are needed? - Expression: 항암 치료의 부작용을 줄일 방법이 있나요?
Pronunciation: hang-am chi-ryo-ui bu-jak-yong-eul jur-il bang-beob-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a way to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy? - Expression: 방사선 치료는 얼마나 자주 받아야 하나요?
Pronunciation: bang-sa-seon chi-ryo-neun eol-ma-na ja-ju bad-a-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: How often do I need to receive radiation therapy? - Expression: 완치가 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: wan-chi-ga ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is a complete cure possible? - Expression: 치료 목표는 무엇인가요?
Pronunciation: chi-ryo mok-pyo-neun mu-eos-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What is the goal of the treatment? - Expression: 보조 치료가 필요한가요?
Pronunciation: bo-jo chi-ryo-ga pil-yo-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is adjuvant therapy necessary? - Expression: 표적 치료는 어떤가요?
Pronunciation: pyo-jeok chi-ryo-neun eo-tteon-ga-yo?
Meaning: What about targeted therapy? - Expression: 면역 치료도 고려할 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: myeon-yeok chi-ryo-do go-ryeo-hal su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Can immunotherapy also be considered? - Expression: 치료 비용은 대략 얼마나 예상해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: chi-ryo bi-yong-eun dae-ryak eol-ma-na ye-sang-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Approximately how much should I expect the treatment cost to be? - Expression: 다른 치료법은 없나요?
Pronunciation: da-reun chi-ryo-beob-eun eobs-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any other treatment methods?
Korean Culture Notes
Understanding cultural nuances can improve communication in medical settings.
- Directness: While Koreans value politeness, discussions about serious health matters like cancer often involve direct communication from doctors regarding diagnosis and prognosis. However, family members might sometimes prefer information to be delivered gently or even request that the full severity not be disclosed directly to elderly patients.
- Family Involvement: Family members are typically heavily involved in the patient’s care and decision-making process. Doctors often explain conditions and treatment plans to the family, sometimes even before or alongside the patient. Expect family members to be present during consultations.
- Respect for Doctors: Doctors hold a position of high authority and respect in Korean society. Patients and families generally defer to the doctor’s expertise and recommendations. Asking questions is acceptable, but challenging the doctor’s opinion directly might be perceived negatively. Framing questions politely is key.
- Hospital Hierarchy: Korean hospitals often have a clear hierarchy. You might interact with various staff, from senior professors to residents and interns. Important decisions and explanations are usually handled by the senior attending physician.
- Expressing Gratitude: Small gestures of gratitude towards medical staff, while not expected, are appreciated. However, formal gift-giving can be sensitive due to anti-bribery regulations in hospitals. A simple verbal expression of thanks (“감사합니다” – gam-sa-ham-ni-da) is always appropriate.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A patient’s family member (A) is meeting with a doctor (B) to discuss the diagnosis after tests.
Roles:
* A: 환자 보호자 (Hwan-ja bo-ho-ja) – Patient’s guardian/family member
* B: 의사 (Ui-sa) – Doctor
- Expression: A: 의사 선생님, 검사 결과가 나왔다고 들었습니다. 저희 아버지 상태가 어떤가요?
Pronunciation: ui-sa seon-saeng-nim, geom-sa gyeol-gwa-ga na-wat-da-go deur-eot-seum-ni-da. jeo-hui a-beo-ji sang-tae-ga eo-tteon-ga-yo?
Meaning: Doctor, I heard the test results are out. How is my father’s condition? - Expression: B: 네, 보호자분. 안타깝지만 검사 결과 담도암으로 진단되었습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, bo-ho-ja-bun. an-ta-kkap-ji-man geom-sa gyeol-gwa dam-do-am-eu-ro jin-dan-doe-eot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, guardian. Unfortunately, the test results confirm a diagnosis of bile duct cancer. - Expression: A: 담도암이요? 많이 심각한가요? 병기가 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: dam-do-am-i-yo? man-i sim-gak-han-ga-yo? byeong-gi-ga eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: Bile duct cancer? Is it very serious? What is the stage? - Expression: B: 현재로서는 3기 정도로 보입니다. 주변 림프절로 약간의 전이가 의심됩니다. 추가적인 영상 검사가 필요할 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: hyeon-jae-ro-seo-neun sam-gi jeong-do-ro bo-im-ni-da. ju-byeon rim-peu-jeol-lo yak-gan-ui jeon-i-ga ui-sim-doem-ni-da. chu-ga-jeog-in yeong-sang geom-sa-ga pil-yo-hal su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Currently, it appears to be around stage 3. We suspect some metastasis to nearby lymph nodes. Additional imaging tests may be necessary. - Expression: A: 그럼 치료는 어떻게 진행되나요? 수술이 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: geu-reom chi-ryo-neun eo-tteo-ke jin-haeng-doe-na-yo? su-sur-i ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Then how will the treatment proceed? Is surgery possible? - Expression: B: 암의 위치와 크기, 전이 여부를 종합적으로 판단해야 합니다. 현재로서는 수술 가능성을 열어두고 있지만, 먼저 항암 치료를 통해 종양 크기를 줄이는 것을 고려할 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: am-ui wi-chi-wa keu-gi, jeon-i yeo-bu-reul jong-hap-jeog-eu-ro pan-dan-hae-ya ham-ni-da. hyeon-jae-ro-seo-neun su-sul ga-neung-seong-eul yeor-eo-du-go it-ji-man, meon-jeo hang-am chi-ryo-reul tong-hae jong-yang keu-gi-reul jur-i-neun geos-eul go-ryeo-hal su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We need to comprehensively assess the location and size of the cancer, and whether it has metastasized. For now, we are keeping the possibility of surgery open, but we might consider chemotherapy first to reduce the tumor size. - Expression: A: 네, 알겠습니다. 아버지께는 어떻게 설명드려야 할지…
Pronunciation: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da. a-beo-ji-kke-neun eo-tteo-ke seol-myeong-deu-ryeo-ya hal-ji…
Meaning: Yes, I understand. I’m wondering how I should explain this to my father… - Expression: B: 환자분과 상의해서 결정하시되, 저희가 함께 설명드리는 자리도 마련할 수 있습니다. 치료 계획에 대해 더 자세히 상의하시죠.
Pronunciation: hwan-ja-bun-gwa sang-ui-hae-seo gyeol-jeong-ha-si-doe, jeo-hui-ga ham-kke seol-myeong-deu-ri-neun ja-ri-do ma-ryeon-hal su it-seum-ni-da. chi-ryo gye-hoek-e dae-hae deo ja-se-hi sang-ui-ha-si-jyo.
Meaning: You should decide after discussing with the patient, but we can also arrange a time to explain it together. Let’s discuss the treatment plan in more detail.
Practice Tips
Navigating medical discussions in Korean can be challenging, but practice makes perfect~! Review the vocabulary lists regularly, focusing on pronunciation. Try role-playing conversations with a language partner or tutor, simulating a hospital visit. Familiarizing yourself with these terms will greatly help in understanding and communicating effectively during difficult times. Remember to always ask for clarification if you don’t understand something the medical staff says! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – You can do it!)
