Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos? Asbestos exposure is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause. It affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation therapy for other cancers, genetics, and minerals similar
