Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos? Asbestos exposure is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause. It can cause damage to 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
