Buffalo hump

Buffalo Hump is a term used to describe a condition characterized by the accumulation of fat at the upper back, between the shoulder blades. The condition is also known as dorsocervical fat pad and is often associated with certain medical conditions such as Cushing's syndrome and HIV/AIDS.

Causes

The primary cause of buffalo hump is the abnormal distribution of fat in the body, a condition known as lipodystrophy. This can occur due to various reasons, including:

• Cushing's syndrome: This condition is caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of the hormone cortisol. It can lead to a variety of symptoms, including buffalo hump.
• HIV/AIDS: Some antiretroviral medications used to treat HIV/AIDS can cause changes in the way the body produces, uses, and stores fat, leading to lipodystrophy and buffalo hump.
• Obesity: In some cases, buffalo hump may be a result of general obesity.

Symptoms

The most obvious symptom of buffalo hump is the presence of a hump at the upper back. Other symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Depression

Treatment

Treatment for buffalo hump depends on the underlying cause. If the condition is caused by medication, a change in medication may be necessary. In cases where buffalo hump is caused by Cushing's syndrome, treatment may involve surgery, radiation, or medication to reduce the production of cortisol. If the condition is due to obesity, weight loss may help reduce the size of the hump.

In some cases, if the hump is causing discomfort or if the patient is unhappy with their appearance, surgery may be considered to remove the excess fat.

See also

• Lipodystrophy
• Cushing's syndrome
• HIV/AIDS