Hello. I've been without health insurance (in California) for about 2 years now and am 23 years old.

About three days ago, I had this dull pain in my left testicle that would come and go. It more or less felt heavy all the time, but if it was touched in a certain spot (at about the 4 o'clock position on the testicle, facing me), it hurt very much.

The pain gradually escalated to today, when it hurts so much that it's noticeable whenever I sit or walk. I went to a walk-in clinic this morning and while the doctor was examining me, I felt a small bump where the pain occurred. I hadn't felt this on my own before ... maybe because I wasn't looking closely enough because it hurt to the touch.

Anyway, the doctor said it's probably either a cyst or cancer. I was looking online, and it seemed to suggest that cancerous lumps don't usually hurt -- or at least at first. Is this true?

Also, since it looks like I'm going to need at minimum a blood test and ultrasound, does anyone have advice on where to go or how much these procedures generally cost? Again, I have no insurance and have never had any real dealings with a hospital or specialist.

I live in California if that helps. I make too much money to qualify for any of the state health insurance programs.

I obviously want to get this condition checked out ASAP, but I also don't want to end up draining my savings and going into debt to have this properly examined.

Any advice would be much appreciated!! Thanks!!!