Mesothelioma is caused by –

Asbestosis There are two distinct geometric forms of asbestos - Serpentine chrysolite Amphibole (crocidolite) Serpentine chrysolite accounts for most of the asbestos used in industry. Both serpentine and amphibole can cause all asbestosis related disease except for mesotheloma, which is usually associated with amphibole (crocidolite). Asbestos related diseases Localized fibrous plaques which may be calcified. Diffuse pleural fibrosis Pleural effusion Parenchymal interstitial fibrosis (asbestosis). Lung carcinoma → Most common neoplasm associated with asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma of pleura and peritoneum → most specific neoplasm associated with asbestos exposure. Laryngeal and colon carcinomas. Stomach carcinoma Note - Concomitant cigarette smoking greatly increase the risk of lung carcinoma but not that of mesotheloma.