Mesothelioma Lung Cancer Asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Most mesothelioma cases start in the lung. A rarer type of mesothelioma starts in the abdomen's lining, called malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Like all cancers, mesothelioma can be caused by uncontrolled cell growth. People can reduce their risks