Lumps appearing in the penis like cartilage may be related to sebaceous cysts, penile cancer, syphilis and other causes. 1. Sebaceous cysts: If sebum secretion at penis is blocked under the skin, cysts can be formed, which will appear as cartilage-like lumps. 2. Penile cancer: If there is penile cancer, small hard lumps may appear on the penis, and ulcers may appear on the surface of penile skin. 3. Syphilis: Stage 1 syphilis can present with a hard chancre and enlarged lymph nodes. The area around the hard chancre can have enlarged lymph nodes, which can appear as cartilage-like lumps, usually without pain or tenderness. The above symptoms may also be caused by other factors, and it is recommended that the patient go to a regular hospital in time to clarify the cause of the disease and carry out standardized treatment under the guidance of the doctor.