| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | A lump of fat on the back of the neck (cervicodorsal). |
| Alternative Names | Buffalo hump |
| Considerations | A buffalo hump by itself is not diagnostic of any one condition. It must be considered in light of other signs, symptoms, and tests. |
| Common Causes | extended use of some steroids (glucocorticoids such as prednisone, cortisone, and hydrocortisone) extreme obesityhypercortisolism (caused by Cushing's syndrome ) some drugs used for AIDS (reason unclear) osteoporosis may cause curvature of the spine in the neck (kyphoscoliosis) |
| Home Care | If a buffalo hump is due to medication, ask your health care provider about your drug. NEVER CHANGE MEDICATION WITHOUT CONSULTING YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER. For extreme obesity , diet and exercise can help you to lose weight. |
| Call your health care provider if | there is an unexplained buffalo hump. |
| What to expect at your health care provider's office | The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. Medical history questions documenting your symptom in detail may include: What medications are you taking? Are you overweight ? How old are you? Have you been evaluated for osteoporosis ? What other symptoms are present? Diagnostic tests that may be performed include: blood tests such as blood count and chemistries CT or MRI scan of the headCT scan of the abdomen and adrenal glandsendocrine studies such as blood/urinary cortisol and dexamethasone suppression visual field testing X-rays of the chest bone mineral density |
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