Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos can cause a number of medical diseases. One of these is mesothelioma. This rare cancer affects the linings of specific organs. The most prevalent forms are peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is caused by breathing asbestos fibres. These fibres cause inflammation and scarring of the lungs. https://vimeo.com/703523369