I have a hump on my back at the base of my neck

Dear Ask The Doctor: My sister has a hump on her back at the base of her neck for over 5 years. Her face breaks out really bad, she's always tired, she's experiencing kidney pain and her urine is dark and it smells. She's has a pretty harsh menstrual cycle as well as upper and lower back pain constantly. She's had 5 children. Also her mood swings are off the charts. I saw a documentary about 5 or 6 years ago about a hump back condition and something relating to a gland thats inside the nose and that people who had this gland (?) removed resulted in the hump going away along with all of the other symtoms? Does anyone know what I'm talking about? She has a Doctors appointment on Monday and I want to make sure that she asks the right questions and gets help for the problems she's experiencing. Please adivse. Thanks. Tina

Dear Tammy: The symptoms that your sister is experiencing i.e. hump on her back, abdominal pain, irregular menses and weakness is suggestive of either Cushing's syndrome or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Cushing's syndrome is caused due to an excess of glucocorticoid. (The documentary you may have seen would have been due to Cushing's disease which is caused by a pituitary tumor secreting ACTH). Diagnosis of cushing's syndrome is by measuring the cortisol levels. Polycystic ovarian syndrome may also present similarly.  Diagnosis is by an ultrasound. I would advise discussing your concerns with your family doctor or OBGYN for reassurance.