Mesothelioma Not Caused by Asbestos People with an asbestos-related history are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers that stick to the lining of the lung (pleura) cause malignant pleural mesothelioma. those that penetrate the stomach's lining or heart (peritoneal and mesothelioma pericardial) are less prevalent. See a doctor right