Can basal cell cancer or carcinoma be mistaken for a pimple?

It can: Most basal cell cancers can be identified visually by a well trained doctor, but a dermatologist and biopsy ultimately may b required to diagnose a skin cancer. A primary care doctor may be able to do a small shave biopsy in the office or recognize it in office. But dermatologist and biopsy is gold standard.

Yes: Basal cell cancer can look like a pimple but with two differences. Pimples are usually tender/painful and typical change over 1-2 weeks and often go away in 2-3 weeks. Basal cell cancer is slow growing and will get bigger in size over 6-12 months time.