Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos? Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. It can affect the linings of the lungs as well as the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), and heart (pericardial msothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation treatment for other cancers, genetics and asbestos-like minerals like
