Mesothelioma and Asbestosis Two lung diseases are connected to asbestos fiber exposure mesothelioma and asbestosis. Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer and asbestosis is a non-cancerous illness that causes stiffness and scarring in the lungs. Both diseases have similar symptoms, including breathlessness. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using tests like a biopsy. https://vimeo.com/703521531