Phakomatosis refers to a group of genetic disorders that affect the skin and nervous system. These conditions are characterized by the development of multiple growths or lesions on the skin and/or in the brain and spinal cord. Some common synonyms for phakomatosis include neurocutaneous syndrome, neuroectodermal dysplasia, and phakomatoses. Other related terms include hamartomas, which are abnormal growths or tumors that develop in a specific area of the body, and neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves. Although these conditions may have different names, they share many of the same symptoms and can affect a person's quality of life in various ways.