Is Mesothelioma Genetic?
No, mesothelioma isn’t considered a genetic disease. It’s a rare type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. However, some people are born with certain changes in their DNA that make them more likely to get sick after asbestos exposure. This is known as a genetic predisposition to mesothelioma.
A predisposition doesn’t mean you will definitely get mesothelioma — it only means your risk may be higher than average.
Also, even if someone in your family has a gene mutation linked to mesothelioma, it’s not guaranteed they’ll develop the cancer. Knowing your family’s medical background can help you take precautions and make informed decisions about mesothelioma screening.
If you’re worried about your family’s genetic risk, we’ll connect you with specialists who can help. Use our Free Doctor Match to find someone in your area.
Top 5 Genetic Risk Factors for Mesothelioma
Specific gene mutations can make asbestos more dangerous or affect how quickly mesothelioma develops after you’re exposed. Many of these mutations occur in tumor suppressor genes, which normally help regulate cell growth and prevent tumors from forming.
These genetic changes don’t cause cancer on their own, but they can influence how your body repairs the damage, how fast tumors grow, and how well mesothelioma treatments work.
Below are the top 5 genes linked to mesothelioma risk:
- BAP1: This is the most common gene mutation connected to mesothelioma. It stands for BRCA1-associated protein 1. People with BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome may develop cancer even after relatively little asbestos exposure.
- CDKN2A: When this gene doesn’t work properly, cells can grow and divide too quickly, which may cause mesothelioma tumors to form faster.
- LATS2: Changes in this gene are often found in more aggressive types of mesothelioma.
- NF2: This helps control a protein called merlin to prevent tumors from forming. When NF2 is mutated, mesothelioma cancer cells can grow and spread more easily. NF2 gene loss is also common in people with mutations in the LATS2 gene.
- TP53: Sometimes called the “guardian of the genome,” this gene helps control cell growth and repair. When TP53 is mutated, it can’t repair DNA damage effectively, allowing cells to become cancerous.
These genetic changes don’t cause mesothelioma by themselves — but they can make asbestos exposure far more dangerous.
“I routinely see patients who had the same exposure to asbestos as their family member, who I am treating for mesothelioma.”
Is There Genetic Testing for Mesothelioma?
Yes, genetic testing can detect inherited mutations that may increase the risk of mesothelioma cancer. The process usually involves taking a blood or saliva sample and having it analyzed in a certified lab.
A genetic counselor can explain what the results mean and whether other relatives should be tested.
Testing may be an option if you:
- Have been exposed to asbestos
- Have a family member diagnosed with mesothelioma
- Know of a BAP1 or related gene mutation in your family
Health insurers and employers cannot use your genetic information to deny coverage or discriminate against you. These rights are protected under the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA).
However, GINA doesn’t cover legal matters or compensation claims. If you’re thinking about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit for asbestos exposure, it’s best to speak with an attorney before sharing any genetic testing results.
Get our Free Mesothelioma Guide for details on the latest tests, treatments, and compensation options for patients and families.
Current Research on Mesothelioma Genetics
Researchers are uncovering how genetic factors influence the development and treatment of mesothelioma. These discoveries are helping doctors better understand risk, improve early detection, and develop more targeted therapies.
Key areas of current research include:
- New genetic markers for early detection: Studies are identifying more gene mutations beyond BAP1 that may increase mesothelioma risk to help doctors detect the disease sooner.
- Cancer-preventive compounds: Natural compounds such as sulforaphane (found in broccoli and other vegetables) are being studied for their potential to reduce cancer risk in people with BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome.
- Targeted therapies: Ongoing clinical trials are testing treatments designed to target mesothelioma cells with specific genetic mutations, such as BAP1-positive tumors.
- Personalized medicine: Researchers are exploring ways to tailor treatments based on each patient’s unique genetic profile, improving effectiveness and reducing side effects.
- Genetic and molecular therapy trials – Multiple studies are investigating how modifying or targeting genetic pathways could slow tumor growth or improve treatment response.
Genetic studies are opening new doors for prevention, earlier detection, and personalized treatments. Some research is also focusing on how genetic differences influence whether a person develops pleural mesothelioma or peritoneal mesothelioma after asbestos exposure.
“Sulforaphane shows promise as a cancer-preventive agent for patients who are at higher genetic risk for asbestos-associated malignant mesothelioma through the BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome.”
– Fox Chase Cancer Center
Get Answers to Your Mesothelioma Genetics Questions
Mesothelioma Hope can guide you in understanding how genetics and asbestos exposure may influence your family’s risk — and what steps you can take next.
Our nurses and Patient Advocates are standing by to:
- Help you decide if genetic testing is right for you
- Explain your diagnosis and treatment options
- Connect you with top mesothelioma specialists
- Share support resources with you and your family
Use our Free Doctor Match or call (866) 608-8933 to get personalized guidance and connect with a mesothelioma specialist today.
Genetic Risk Factors for Mesothelioma FAQs
What is the genetic cause of mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma isn’t caused by genes alone. The only known cause is asbestos exposure, but certain inherited genetic changes can make someone more vulnerable to developing the cancer.
One of the most notable genetic changes involves BRCA1-associated protein (BAP1). If you have a BAP1 mutation, it may make it harder for cells in your body to recover from asbestos exposure, triggering mesothelioma more easily.
What is the biggest risk factor for mesothelioma?
The number one risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a toxic mineral once commonly used in construction and manufacturing. Blue-collar workers and military veterans are among the high-risk groups for mesothelioma.
When you breathe in or swallow asbestos fibers, they can become lodged in the lining of the lungs or abdomen, causing irritation and scarring over many years. This long-term damage can eventually lead to mesothelioma.
Genetic mutations are another mesothelioma risk factor, but only if you’ve been exposed to asbestos. You can’t develop mesothelioma from genetic mutations alone.
Does mesothelioma run in families?
Mesothelioma can sometimes affect several members of the same family, but it doesn’t spread from person to person like an infection.
In some cases, family members share genetic risk factors, such as a BAP1 gene mutation, that can increase their chance of developing mesothelioma. They may also share environmental exposures, especially if they lived or worked in the same place where asbestos was present.
While mesothelioma may appear to “run in families,” it’s usually the result of a combination of shared genes and secondary asbestos exposure, instead of something contagious or directly inherited.
Can mesothelioma be passed on genetically?
No, mesothelioma can’t be passed on directly. However, the genetic changes that increase a person’s sensitivity to asbestos exposure can be passed down through families.
This means that while you can’t inherit the cancer, you can inherit a higher likelihood of developing it if you’re exposed to asbestos.
Is there a genetic test for mesothelioma?
If you have a family history of mesothelioma, your doctor may suggest genetic testing. This is typically done using a blood or saliva sample and involves looking for mutations in genes like BAP1.
However, there’s no genetic test to diagnose mesothelioma at this time.
Also, if you’re considering filing an asbestos lawsuit, you may want to consult with a mesothelioma attorney before getting tested. Asbestos companies may try to blame your cancer on genetics — despite long-standing proof that only asbestos causes mesothelioma — to escape legal accountability.
Why do some people get mesothelioma and some don't?
Whether or not someone develops mesothelioma depends on a mix of environmental and genetic factors. The biggest risk factor is how much asbestos a person was exposed to and for how long.
However, genetics can also make a difference. Some people’s bodies are better at repairing the damage caused by asbestos, while others may be more sensitive because of inherited gene changes that make it harder for their cells to recover.
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