A benign (not cancerous) growth characterized by the appearance of a papule (a small superficial bump on the skin) with a smooth surface; also known as juvenile melanoma. Most commonly, the papule develops on the face or scalp of a child. Although harmless, it may be mistaken for a malignant melanoma (see melanoma, malignant). Spitz nevi are most common in children between the ages of 9 and 13.