Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos? Asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation therapy for other cancers, genetics, and minerals similar to asbestos like silica
