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Hump behind the shoulders
Definition
Hump behind the shoulders is a lump of fat on the back of the neck.
Alternative Names
Buffalo hump; Dorsocervical fat pad
Considerations
A hump behind the shoulders by itself is not a sign of any one, specific condition. The doctor must consider this along with other symptoms and test results.
Causes
- Certain drugs used to treat AIDS
- Extended use of certain steroid medicines, including prednisone, cortisone, and hydrocortisone
- Extreme obesity
- Hypercortisolism (caused by Cushing syndrome)
Osteoporosis may cause a curvature of the spine in the neck called kyphoscoliosis.
Home Care
If the hump is caused by a certain medicine, your doctor may tell you to stop taking the drug or change your dosage. Never stop taking any medicine without first talking to your doctor.
Diet and exercise can help you to lose weight and may relieve some humps due to extreme obesity.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have an unexplained hump behind the shoulders.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms. Questions may include:
- What medications do you take?
- How old are you?
- Have you been checked for osteoporosis?
- What other symptoms do you have?
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:
- Bone mineral density test
- Complete blood count
- Cortisol - blood
- Cortisol - urine
- CT or MRI scan of the head
- CT of the abdomen and adrenal glands
- Dexamethasone suppression test
- X-rays of the chest
- Visual field exam
Treatment will be aimed at the problem that caused the fat to develop in the first place.
References
Young WF. The incidentally discovered adrenal mass. N Engl J Med. 2007; 356:601-610.
Stewart PM. The Adrenal Cortex. In: Kronenberg HM, Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR. Kronenberg: Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 14.
Reviewed By: Elizabeth H. Holt, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yale University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
