Can smoking cause malignant mesothelioma?

Although the exact cause of malignant mesothelioma is not known, long-term exposure to asbestos can greatly increase your risk for developing the disease. While smoking does not necessarily cause the disease either, smokers with an exposure to asbestos seem to be at an even higher risk of developing malignant mesothelioma. Talk to your doctor if you believe you may be at risk of having the disease.