Differential Diagnosis for a Buffalo Hump in an Adolescent Female
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Cushing's syndrome: This condition, characterized by excess cortisol production, is a common cause of a buffalo hump (a fatty deposit on the back of the neck) in adolescents. The symptoms of Cushing's syndrome, including weight gain, moon face, and hirsutism, often accompany the buffalo hump.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Obesity: Simple obesity can cause a buffalo hump due to excess fat accumulation in the neck area. This is a common condition in adolescents and can be associated with other health issues.
- Steroid use: Long-term use of corticosteroids can lead to Cushingoid features, including a buffalo hump, due to the exogenous source of cortisol.
- Familial partial lipodystrophy: This rare genetic disorder affects fat distribution and can cause a buffalo hump, among other symptoms.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pheochromocytoma: Although rare, this tumor of the adrenal gland can cause excess catecholamine production, leading to weight gain, hypertension, and potentially a buffalo hump. Missing this diagnosis could be life-threatening due to the risk of hypertensive crises.
- Medullary thyroid carcinoma: This type of thyroid cancer can produce excess calcitonin, leading to a range of symptoms, including a buffalo hump. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes: These genetic disorders can cause a variety of endocrine tumors, including those that produce excess hormones leading to a buffalo hump.
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: This group of genetic disorders affects the adrenal glands and can cause an overproduction of androgens, potentially leading to a buffalo hump.
- Hypothyroidism: Severe, untreated hypothyroidism can cause changes in fat distribution, including a buffalo hump, although this is less common in adolescents.