Medical Health Encyclopedia

Hump behind the shoulders

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Overview Treatment

Hump behind the shoulders

Definition:

This is a lump of fat on the back of the neck (cervicodorsal).

Alternative Names:
Buffalo hump

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Considerations:

A buffalo hump by itself is not a sign of any one, specific condition. It must be considered in light of other symptoms and test results.

Common Causes:

• extended use of some steroids (glucocorticoids such as prednisone, cortisone, and hydrocortisone)
• extreme obesity
• hypercortisolism (caused by Cushing's syndrome)
• some drugs used for AIDS (reason unclear)
• osteoporosis may cause curvature of the spine in the neck (kyphoscoliosis)

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