hump/bowing

I have a 16 yr old Daughter. She has always appeared 'slump' shouldered, but I attributed it to bad posture.
About a month ago she started complaining EVERY day of a headache & 2 weeks ago it was a headache
& a neck ache.
She went to her Pediatrician & he said she had a large 'fat pad' & referred her to a surgeon for further testing.
She has an MRI Wednesday, they say the lump 'could be' a tumor.
They gave her Naprosen 500 mg 2 x daily.
Heat helps, but she is in tears most of the time...
I am scared beyond belief. Idea's?
Thx, Tres

[kittyluv1]

Welcome to the Back and Neck Community.  Members are here to provide assistance to individuals experiencing symptoms related to possible abnormal conditions of the cervical and/or lumbar spine.  Advice provided is non-professional and is based primarily on personal experiences.

I am sorry to hear of your daughter's condition.  Having pain and not knowing the cause can indeed be very frustrating.  Her pediatrician was able to perform a clinical exam and thought this suspicious area was a fat pad, but appropriately referred her to a surgeon as her subjective complaints warrant further investigation.  Hearing the word "tumor" can be very frightening, but keep in mind that not all "tumors" are cancerous and in many instances are benign and not harmful.  The MRI will allow the doctor to determine the source/content of this area and whether there is any possible relationship to her spine and/or nerves connected to the spine.  
The naprosyn is an anti-inflammatory and will hopefully reduce any swelling in the area and allow for clearer examination.  It is possible that some other tests may be required for full diagnostic evaluation.
Once you have the MRI findings, the surgeon will be able to explore treatment options with you.
It is difficult not to worry when your daughter is in pain, but you are doing everything you can to help her.  Please post back with her progress and any additional questions/concerns you may have.
Best wishes -----

[caitykrackz]

hi...im 20 and ive had a hump in the back of my neck since i was about 10. its gotten alot worst and the dr. i saw when i was 10 said it coul dbe from weigh but im not overwieght and wasnt when i was 10. it constantly hurts, and im very self concious about it. is it possible that i can have cosmetic surgery done to kinda shave it down? i know it may be hard since its in the middle and my spine is there but im just hoping for some hope about it. any suggestions?

[kittyluv1]

Hi --
Sorry to hear of your prolonged discomfort (physically and emotionally) regarding this "hump" in the back of your neck.  When the doctor first examined you at age 10 did he do any specific diagnostic testing?  A recommendation to lose weight at 10yrs old is somewhat odd, but as you said you were not overweight at the time.
Have any other medical doctors been aware of this problem?  For instance, when you go for your annual physical?
If no one has seemed to feel that this "hump" is abnormal other than cosmetically speaking, it would do no harm to have a consult with a plastic surgeon to determine if there is some procedure that can either remove or reduce the size.  Be sure you investigate the doctor thoroughly and do not subject yourself to someone who is not board certified in Plastic Surgery and or General Surgery.  It may be necessary for them to do an MRI or other radiologic testing to ascertain whether there is a blood supply to this area or whether it is primarily a "fat pad".  A consultation will allow you to explore the available treatment options and you can proceed from there.
Post again with your update and with any additional questions/concerns you may have.
Best wishes -----