Hump behind the shoulders

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

Buffalo hump

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.

• 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)

Review Date: 05/17/2005
Reviewed By: Vishal Datta, M.D., Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, New York Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.