Key Takeaways
- Mesothelioma is not directly hereditary — you cannot inherit mesothelioma itself. However, you can inherit a genetic mutation that increases your risk of developing mesothelioma if you are exposed to asbestos. This hereditary component accounts for approximately 1% of all mesothelioma cases.
- The key genetic factor is the BAP1 gene, a tumor-suppressing gene that controls cell growth and division. When BAP1 is mutated, it can no longer prevent uncontrolled cell growth — creating conditions that make mesothelioma more likely to develop after asbestos exposure.
- A BAP1 mutation can be inherited from a parent (germline mutation) or caused by external factors like asbestos exposure. Either way, asbestos exposure is still required — genetics alone do not cause mesothelioma.
- Genetic screening for BAP1 uses next-generation sequencing to detect mutations associated with BAP1-tumor predisposition syndrome. Testing can reveal family risk, guide treatment decisions, and disclose risk for other family members.
- The American Lung Association reports that 8 out of 10 mesothelioma patients report asbestos exposure, making it the single biggest risk factor for the disease.
If you’re reading you might be asking yourself, is mesothelioma hereditary? The short answer to this is perhaps, but it is extremely rare. Cancer.Net reports this occurrence in 1% of all mesothelioma cases. However, there’s a much deeper explanation to this question. While mesothelioma cannot occur strictly due to genetics and requires some form of asbestos exposure, there are still genes to be investigated that are relevant to mesothelioma development. The genetic tendencies investigated can impact treatment options after diagnosis.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that attacks the mesothelial tissue. The prevalence of this tissue is discovered around vital organs such as the lungs, abdomen, heart, and testicles. The organs, types, and symptoms are listed below from most prevalent to rarest. When mutations occur to the DNA, the normal cells convert into cancer cells. The excessive growth of this cell later divides and spreads to other local or distant organs depending on the stage. A tumor is then created and treatment like chemotherapy or if caught early enough, surgery can occur.
| Organ | Type of Mesothelioma | Symptoms |
| Lung | Pleural | Chest Pain, Shortness of Breath, Persistent Cough |
| Abdomen | Peritoneal | Constipation, Nausea, Abdomen Pain |
| Heart | Pericardial | Cough, Chest Pain, Weight loss |
| Testicles | Testicular | Cysts, Increase in scrotum |
Cause of Mesothelioma
The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure, asbestos is a natural mineral that is commonly used for insulation due to its heat and chemical-resistant properties. It is reported by the American Lung Association that “Eight out of 10 people with mesothelioma report asbestos exposure, which is why it is considered the biggest risk factor of developing the disease”. When the fibers are inhaled, they travel to the mesothelial tissue. Another form of exposure that can occur is ingestion. Although this is rare, it can still negatively impact the individual and cause pain in the abdomen or lungs. Penn Medicine claims that chrysolite asbestos, a prevalent asbestos type in commercial use, “is the most common type associated with swallowing” (“Asbestos – What It Is, Health Risks, and More | Penn Medicine”). It is also important to mention that although there is no safe level of asbestos exposure, it can be handled correctly without posing a risk.
High-Risk Genetic Factor
The specific genetic factor that is recognized to impact the risk of mesothelioma is the BAP1 gene, which is a tumor repressor gene. The BAP1 gene is responsible for producing the protein “ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase” (“BAP1 Gene: MedlinePlus Genetics”). It impacts the way proteins interact with other proteins and in hand additionally affects the cell life cycle. When this is mutated, the gene can no longer control or prevent cell growth and division. Therefore, this causes the cells to grow more rapidly and at an uncontrollable rate. However, is also important to mention that discovering this mutation may be challenging due to the resemblance of non-cancerous reactive mesothelial cells as explained by the National Library of Medicine.
Screening for BAP1
To get a better understanding of your diagnosis, it is important to test for the BAP1 gene. This screening utilizes “next-generation sequencing to detect single nucleotide and copy number variants in the BAP1 gene associated with BAP1-tumor predisposition syndrome” (“BAP1Z – Overview: BAP1-Tumor Predisposition Syndrome, BAP1 Full Gene Analysis, Varies”). This screening will aid in revealing the family history of this gene as well as look for variants. The benefits of this test will guide treatment options as well as disclose the risk for other family members .
If you or someone you know has been affected by mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease in the state of Pennsylvania, please fill out this contact form for a free consultation or call 1 (800) 505-6000 for legal help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mesothelioma hereditary?
Not directly. You cannot inherit mesothelioma the way you might inherit a condition like sickle cell anemia. However, you can inherit a genetic mutation — specifically in the BAP1 gene — that increases your susceptibility to developing mesothelioma if you are exposed to asbestos. This hereditary genetic component accounts for approximately 1% of all mesothelioma cases. Asbestos exposure remains the primary and necessary cause in all cases.
What is the BAP1 gene and how does it relate to mesothelioma risk?
BAP1 is a tumor-suppressing gene that produces a protein responsible for regulating how cells grow, divide, and die. When BAP1 is functioning normally, it helps prevent uncontrolled cell growth. When it is mutated — either through inheritance or external factors like asbestos exposure — it can no longer perform this protective role. This means that if a person with a BAP1 mutation is exposed to asbestos, their body is less equipped to prevent the resulting cellular damage from progressing to cancer.
Can I get mesothelioma without asbestos exposure if I have a BAP1 mutation?
Current research indicates that asbestos exposure is still required for mesothelioma to develop — a BAP1 mutation alone is not sufficient. The mutation increases susceptibility, but it is the asbestos exposure that triggers the disease. However, individuals with a BAP1 mutation may develop mesothelioma from lower levels of asbestos exposure than someone without the mutation, and they may also be at increased risk for other cancers including melanoma and renal cell carcinoma.
Should my family be tested for BAP1 if I have mesothelioma?
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, genetic counseling and BAP1 screening may be recommended — especially if other family members have also been diagnosed with mesothelioma or related cancers. The screening uses next-generation sequencing to detect mutations in the BAP1 gene. If a mutation is found, it can reveal whether other family members are at elevated risk, guide their monitoring and screening schedules, and inform treatment decisions for the diagnosed patient.
How common is the hereditary form of mesothelioma?
Hereditary mesothelioma is extremely rare. Cancer.Net reports that inherited BAP1 mutations account for approximately 1% of all mesothelioma cases. The vast majority of mesothelioma cases — 8 out of 10, according to the American Lung Association — are directly linked to occupational, environmental, or secondhand asbestos exposure rather than inherited genetic factors.
Does a BAP1 mutation affect treatment options?
Yes. Knowing whether a BAP1 mutation is present can influence treatment decisions. For example, patients with BAP1 mutations may be candidates for PARP inhibitors — drugs that block cancer cells from repairing their own DNA, creating a double hit to the cancer’s survival mechanisms. The mutation status also helps oncologists predict how the cancer is likely to behave and which therapies may be most effective. Genetic screening results become part of the patient’s treatment planning process.
What should I do if I have a family history of mesothelioma?
If multiple family members have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or related cancers, consider genetic counseling and BAP1 screening. Even without a diagnosis, knowing your genetic status can lead to proactive monitoring — some researchers recommend annual screenings starting as early as age 30 for individuals with confirmed BAP1 mutations. For information about mesothelioma and your legal options, call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
Sources:
National Library Of Medicine 1
National Library Of Medicine 2
National Library Of Medicine 3
King Hussein Cancer Foundation
