Mesothelioma and Asbestosis Two lung diseases are connected to asbestos fiber exposure: mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer and asbestosis is a noncancerous disease that causes stiffness and scarring in the lungs. Both diseases have the same symptoms, such as breathlessness. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using tests like https://vimeo.com/704721921