Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos? Asbestos is the only cause of mesothelioma. It can affect the lung linings, abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors include the treatment of cancer with radiation genetics, genetics, and minerals that are similar to asbestos, such as
